England’s drought situation has continued to deteriorate despite recent rainfall, with 13 reservoirs or reservoir groups now classified as exceptionally low, according to the Environment Agency. Its report covering 16 to 22 October 2026, updated on 30 October, puts national reservoir storage at 54% of capacity, around 22 percentage points below the seasonal average. Eighteen reservoirs or groups are less than half full.
Rain has not reversed the decline
England received rain for a second consecutive week, but around two-thirds of monitored reservoirs or reservoir groups recorded falling storage in the week ending 20 October. River flows improved at approximately three-quarters of monitored sites, while groundwater continued to decline at many locations because unusually dry soils limited recharge. Only two monitored reservoirs or groups were classified as normal for the time of year.
Which reservoirs are exceptionally low?
The Environment Agency identifies Abberton and Hanningfield (Essex and Suffolk Water); Ardingly (South East Water); Blithfield (South Staffordshire Water); Clatworthy (Wessex Water); Colliford, Roadford, Stithians and Wimbleball (South West Water); the Dove Group (Severn Trent Water); Grafham Water and Rutland Water (Anglian Water); and the Pennines Group (United Utilities). The Agency cautions that reservoir operating rules, maintenance and other factors can affect some readings.
Essex and Suffolk remain affected
Abberton and Hanningfield are both classified as exceptionally low. Essex and Suffolk Water remains at drought level 2, with temporary use restrictions in force across its supply area. Anglian Water also has temporary use bans across its area, excluding Hartlepool. Its Grafham Water and Rutland Water reservoirs are among the sites classed as exceptionally low.
Severe drought in parts of the south
Severe drought was declared on 15 October in specified parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex, particularly areas supplied by critically low reservoirs including Ardingly and Wimbleball. The Environment Agency says there was no change in area drought status in the latest reporting week. Eleven Environment Agency areas remain in drought, with severe drought affecting parts of some areas.
Concern for farmers in 2027
The Environment Agency warns that exceptionally low reservoir levels and below-normal river flows may prevent some farmers from refilling irrigation reservoirs during winter. This could affect water availability for the 2027 growing season, especially in central and southern England. A separate agricultural reservoir refill assessment is due the following week. The warning identifies a risk, not a confirmed crop shortage.
Water restrictions and environmental pressures
Temporary use bans remain in force across all or parts of several companies’ supply areas. Water companies continue work on drought permits and orders, while the Environment Agency monitors declining groundwater and environmental incidents linked to dry weather. Although cooler conditions and restrictions have helped stabilise demand, substantial rainfall is still needed for many water companies to return to normal water-resource conditions.
What happens next?
The next several months will determine how far reservoirs and aquifers recover before spring 2027. The Environment Agency will continue monitoring storage, river flows and environmental incidents. Customers should check the current restrictions applicable to their own water supplier. The latest report documents worsening reservoir classifications; it does not announce new restrictions or a fresh severe-drought declaration.