Heavy rainfall sees the return of normal water levels across England amidst weather whiplash. 

Despite a wet start to 2025, the country experienced its driest spring in over 100 years which led to a drop in water levels from March onward. 

With “significant” recovery only beginning in September 2025, East Anglia became the final area to move out of recovery yesterday. 

The National Drought Group notes that while this is positive for water supplies, increased levels of rainfall have also caused “devastating” flooding in many communities. 

Environmental organisations are warning that the continued fluctuation of our climate is likely to result in more “rapid” swings between drought and flooding. 

National Drought Group chair and director of water at the Environment Agency, Helen Wakeham, comments: 

“Last year’s drought was challenging for everyone, affecting our farmers, our wildlife, and our public water supplies.   

“The winter rainfall has helped our depleted reservoirs and rivers to recover and, while we welcome the improved picture, we are mindful of the problems that flooding brings too.”

While predicted risk of drought in 2026 is currently low, the possibility of a flash drought is still present. 

Water companies are currently finalising their statutory drought plans, which are produced every five years and detail how public supplies and the environment will be protected during dry weather.   

The 50 year anniversary of the 1976 drought – recognised as the worst in Britain’s history – will be marked this summer through sector-wide events reflecting on lessons learned and future resilience.