UK river levels already at record lows forecast to be ‘devastated’ by dry spring

The River Wye at Hereford, which is very low after a dry winter. Photograph: Steven May/Alamy

River levels across the UK have been at record lows and are likely to be “devastated”, as new data forecasts broadly dry weather until at least May.

Campaigners have said the government and water companies have not done enough to conserve water supplies by building reservoirs and fixing leaks, as months of low rainfall could cause some areas to run out of water.