As of yesterday, November 8, 2025, British reservoirs have not fully recovered from the drought conditions experienced during the summer of 2025. While recent rainfall has improved levels in some areas, overall reservoir storage remains below the average for this time of year, and several regions remain in an official drought status.
Current Situation
- National Average: Nationally, average reservoir storage in England was approximately 71.2% full as of November 2, 2025, compared to an average of 77.0% for that time of year.
- Regional Variation: Recovery varies significantly by region.
- Yorkshire: Yorkshire Water remains in a drought level 3 status, with reservoirs at around 57.1% capacity at the end of October, well below the seasonal average of approximately 68%.
- South and East England: Several reservoirs in the South and East, such as Ardingly, Clatworthy, and Wimbleball, are still below 30% capacity and are a major concern. South East Water has even applied for a local water restriction order to ban some business water uses.
- North West: In the North West, some United Utilities reservoirs are closer to normal levels (Carlisle area at 91.5% vs 89.9% average), but others like Haweswater & Thirlmere are still significantly lower than average.
- Groundwater: Groundwater levels, which take longer to recharge than reservoirs, remain a concern in many areas, particularly in the Wessex Downs and Cotswolds where they were exceptionally low.
Outlook
Officials are hopeful that the autumn and winter rainfall will continue to replenish water sources and allow for a better position entering 2026, but the situation is still described as fragile. Experts have warned that a second consecutive dry winter could lead to more drastic measures and "serious" water supply issues next year.
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