Wessex Water and Bristol Water are keeping their hosepipe bans in place despite recent rain. Wessex is monitoring reservoir, groundwater and river flow levels; Bristol says lifting its ban depends on storage and River Severn conditions.
The bans began last month after prolonged exceptionally high demand, following one of the south-west’s driest recorded spells: the region had 61% of expected rainfall over the previous six months. The National Drought Group says recent rain has not replenished supplies, although officials say only 15% of rivers are now below normal. Environment Agency research says 120% of typical rainfall over the next seven months is needed for all areas to be considered out of drought.
