First new major reservoirs in England for more than 30 years given go-ahead

Haweswater reservoir in the valley of Mardale, Cumbria. The lack of reservoir capacity puts the country at risk of water shortages. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

The government has ordered the building of two major reservoirs, the first to be built in England for more than 30 years.

The lack of reservoir capacity, combined with a rising population and drier summers caused by climate breakdown, has put the country at risk of water shortages. The government warned in recent weeks of an impending drought if there was not significant rainfall soon, and reservoirs have been reaching worryingly low levels.