England’s reservoirs remain well below average despite October storms

England’s reservoirs remain significantly below their normal levels despite heavy rainfall from Storms Austen and Boelo. New figures from the Environment Agency show that national reservoir storage reached 57.9% on 27 October 2026, approximately 19% below the seasonal average. Severe drought conditions also remain in parts of southern England.

Why hasn’t the recent rain ended the drought?

October brought some much-needed rainfall to England, with the two named storms producing the wettest reporting week since October 2024.

According to the Environment Agency’s latest drought report, rainfall across England had reached 111% of the long-term October average by the time the figures were compiled.

River flows improved at almost all monitored locations, while more than two-thirds of reservoirs or reservoir groups recorded increases in storage.

However, the improvement has not been sufficient to restore water resources to normal.

Ten reservoirs or reservoir groups remained exceptionally low, and groundwater levels continued to decline at most monitoring sites.

The problem is partly connected to soil moisture. After prolonged dry conditions, rainfall must first replenish dry ground before sufficient water can filter through to underground reserves.

As a result, several weeks of heavy rainfall do not necessarily compensate for months of unusually dry weather.

Which areas remain in severe drought?

The Environment Agency confirms that severe drought conditions continue in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex.

Particular concerns remain around reservoirs supplying parts of southern England, including Ardingly and Wimbleball.

Conditions have improved elsewhere.

On 28 October, the Environment Agency moved Cumbria and Lancashire, along with Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, into drought recovery status.

Nevertheless, temporary water-use restrictions remain in place across several water company regions.

What does this mean for winter water supplies?

The Environment Agency estimates that England would need at least 120% of average rainfall over the next six months for the entire country to emerge from drought by spring 2027.

There are also concerns about agriculture.

Some irrigation reservoirs are at historically low levels, and farmers may struggle to replenish their supplies before the next growing season.

This could create additional pressure on agricultural water availability during 2027, although the extent of any impact will depend on winter rainfall.

Should households prepare for water shortages?

There is no indication that widespread household water interruptions are inevitable.

However, the continuing drought demonstrates why basic water preparedness remains sensible, even during wet weather.

Households can reduce unnecessary consumption, check for leaks and maintain a modest emergency supply of drinking water.

Those in areas affected by restrictions should continue following their water company’s instructions.

For practical advice, see Prepper Weekly’s guides to coping with water shortages in the UK and storing emergency drinking water.

Source: Environment Agency: Dry weather and drought in England, 23–29 October 2026. Published 30 October 2026.