The UK is facing another summer of hosepipe bans and water shortages, according to experts. Last summer saw many areas hit drought status, with widespread hosepipe bans, following several heatwaves and a lack of rain.
And, while reservoir levels have been replenished since, a relatively dry winter is forecast to be followed by a dry spring. Government advisors are warning that, if dry weather continues as forecast into May, there will be a considerable risk of more water shortages.
According to a report by Sky News, farmers are warning that could mean crops could run short. Despite some recent wet weather, which has also seen snow in recent weeks, the UK is still recovering from the record-breaking hot and dry weather seen last year.
While most areas are now "recovering", having previously been in "drought" status, two - East Anglia and Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly - remain officially in drought. To compound matters, last month was the driest February in 30 years in England.
Richard Millar, head of adaptation at the Climate Change Committee, told Sky News: "Following this dry winter, if this summer is again dry (which is expected more often due to climate change) then risks of water shortages could be even more acute."
Sky News also reported that it had been told by the body that advises the Government on infrastructure problems that hosepipe bans were already likely in the south east and east of England.
Sir John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), said: "If we continue over the next two or three months to have less rain than we might hope for, then there is a risk that in the summer we could see some [water] shortages."
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The National Farmers' Union (NFU) also warned that vegetables like carrots, lettuce and parsnips could be in short supply in the next few months see little rain.
NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw told Sky News: "If we end up with a dry spring and early summer, then the challenges are really going to be potentially very, very real."
The NIC said that stopping leaks in the water network was part of the solution.
"Water companies need to cut back the leakage from their existing pipe systems... And to be fair to them, they are investing, they are getting on with that," said NIC chair Sir John.
There are plans for 12 new reservoirs by 2050, but they all face their individual planning battles before they become reality. Industry body Water UK told Sky News that companies had £14bn plans for "seven new reservoirs, the first of which is already starting construction, as well as cross-country water transfers".
A spokesperson said: "Leakage is lower than it has ever been in history, and each company has plans in place to reduce leakage year on year to meet the ambitious sector target of reducing leakage by 50% by 2050."
But Sir John warned: "It's one thing to have a plan, it's another thing to deliver it."
A spokesperson for the Government's environment department said: "Upgrading infrastructure is key to ensuring a clean, plentiful water supply now and for future generations - and we are clear that water companies must invest in new supply infrastructure and take action to reduce leaks and improve water efficiency. We are working closely with water companies through their Water Resources Management Plans to ensure they consider all options available - while Ofwat has allocated nearly £500 million to support them in investigating the feasibility of these options, to improve the resilience of England's water supplies."
