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London's Water Crisis: 100 Days of Drought, Supplies Still Low
6 Nov
Summary
- Thames Water experienced significantly less rainfall compared to two years prior.
- Drought conditions have persisted for 100 days, impacting water resources.
- Sustained rainfall is needed to fully replenish reservoirs before next spring.
The Thames Water region has endured 100 days of drought, declared by the Environment Agency on July 29th. This challenging summer, marked by record dry weather and five heatwaves, has placed immense strain on water resources.
Between March and September, only 194mm of rainfall was recorded, less than half the long-term average. This is a significant reduction compared to the same period in 2024, when 570mm fell. While recent rains have provided some relief to rivers and reservoirs, months of sustained precipitation are essential for full recovery.
Reservoirs across London are currently at 56% capacity, with Farmoor Reservoir near Oxford at 76%. Thames Water emphasizes that significant replenishment is required through autumn and winter to ensure adequate supplies for the spring and summer of 2027. Consequently, a hosepipe ban will remain in place.
