Bristol Water say that we are only at a moderate risk of suffering from a water drought this year

Bristol Water say that the amount of water in their reservoirs have risen by 1% from last week and now stand at an average of 78% full. This is an increase of 1% this time last year.

Meanwhile some water companies have indicated that Hosepipe bans may become necessary by spring unless heavy rain falls between now and April.

A Summit is planned for Monday 20th February to discuss the future likelihood of drought, listen to what measures are already being implemented to tackle drought, and decide upon actions that need to be taken to mitigate against its impact in the future. Those in attendance will include representatives from water companies, the Environment Agency, Natural England, British Waterways, Met Office, representatives from the Agricultural sector and Environmental NGOs.

NFU Vice President Gwyn Jones said: "After the driest winter since 1976 in many parts of England, the Environment Agency is already forecasting drought and severe restrictions on irrigation in several eastern counties.

"This is making farmers and growers extremely anxious. 

"The fact another summit has been called is an indication that government takes this issue as seriously as farmers. And while there's nothing that government can do about the weather, there are some steps it can take that would go some way to alleviating the problems growers will face.

"First of all, it could extend the period in which farmers can abstract water from rivers to fill storage reservoirs for summer use beyond the end of March, providing there was sufficient rainfall.

"In addition, restoring the qualifying capacity of a large raised reservoir to 25,000 cubic metres would take away many potentially onerous regulatory obligations and additional costs that put many farmers off building larger reservoirs.

"It could also encourage water companies to produce emergency plans for supplying drinking water for livestock, particularly housed pigs and poultry.

"Only when we tackle the long term issue of water management, and all work together will we be able to properly manage this most precious of natural resources."

Bristol Water says that The reservoirs have risen by 1% from last week and now stand at an average of 78% full. That is 1% higher than at this time last year.

Over the week, Chew Lake stayed the same at 73% full (71% this time last year); Blagdon Lake is 76% full (84% this time last year) whilst Cheddar Reservoir is 96% full (81% this time last year).

The Barrow Reservoirs are 73% full (89% this time last year) Mendip rainfall: Total for December was 108.2 mm (102% of the average). Total rainfall for January was 77.00 mm (82% of the average). The standard average for the whole month is 94 mm. So far in February we have had 12.8m (average for the month is 67mm)

So at the moment at least the Bristol region is only classed as 'Moderate Risk' however Bristol Water will continue to monitor the situation over the coming months.