UK at risk of summer water shortages and hosepipe bans, scientists warn

Low water levels at Baitings Reservoir during a heatwave in August 2022. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The UK could face water shortages and hosepipe bans if this summer is hot and dry, despite having experienced the wettest 18 months since records began.

Leading scientists have said that because the UK is not storing its water properly, the country is vulnerable to the “all or nothing” rain patterns being experienced more frequently due to climate breakdown.