Water levels at Severn Trent reservoirs reach lowest point this year after driest start to spring in 69 years

The figure is the lowest since November 18 last year when overall capacity stood at 78.7 per cent.

The Environment Agency has warned of a "medium" risk of drought in England this summer without sustained rainfall. It comes after the country experienced its driest start to spring, in March and April, in 69 years.

Although the regulator said there are no hosepipe bans planned, it warned that water companies may have to implement measures including restrictions in the months ahead.

Severn Trent said it would be doing "everything possible" to ensure that there is no need to impose a hosepipe ban in the region for the first time in more than 30 years.

But the company has called for customers to be "water-wise" with more hot and dry weather on the horizon.

Data on Severn Trent's reservoir levels shows a steep decline in recent months. The figure from Monday is significantly lower than the one released on May 20 last year when overall reservoir capacity stood at 94.1 per cent, and on May 22 in 2023 when it stood at 93.8 per cent.

Severn Trent said its maximum reservoir capacity is 247,708 ML (million litres). However, the current water level in its reservoirs stands at 196,022 ML.

The 79.1 per cent recorded on Monday is the lowest level so far this year and the first below 80 per cent of capacity.

Though rain is forecast in Wales and the West Midlands over the bank holiday weekend, Severn Trent has issued advice to residents on how they can "make a difference" with more hot and dry weather expected in the coming weeks.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: "The country has had the driest March in 60 years, the sunniest April on record, followed by more extremely warm and dry weather in May.

"With less rain and drier weather, there’s of course less water in rivers and reservoirs. So, while customers can be confident in their water supply, as water is a precious resource, we’re encouraging everyone to be water wise as the warm and dry weather continues.

"There are simple ways to make a difference, like keeping a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the tap, using a watering can instead of a hose and installing a water butt to collect future rainwater for the garden.

"Not only are these wins for the environment, but they help save money too if you’re on a meter.

"We’re always investing to future-proof the region’s water supply to tackle the twin challenge of climate change and population growth, investing over £400m into laying new water pipes and to cut leakage. In fact, we’ve reduced leaks by a record 16 per cent in five years - fixing 60,000 leaks last year alone.

"Every day we deliver two billion litres of water to 4.6 million homes, seamlessly moving water round our network and investing in new water sources such as our brand new Witches Oak works which comes online in July.

"It's the combination of our continued investment, the dedication of our teams working around the clock to manage water supplies, and the thoughtful choices our customers make to use water wisely, that has created our strong track record of not having to impose a hosepipe ban in the region for 30 years.

"Rest assured we'll be doing everything possible on our side to continue that, and we really appreciate our customers' continued support in this as well."

Data on Severn Trent Water's reservoir levels can be found here.