How can we turn a dry summer into a winter of water recovery?

Statistics show that summer 2025 was the warmest on record, with drought officially declared across various parts of the UK. [1]

While the shift to cooler, wetter weather may feel like a relief, it’s not a remedy for the prolonged lack of rainfall over the summer.

Understanding the impact that summer drought has on water availability is crucial. This article explores the importance of water conservation and how your business can lead the way in water efficiency.

Understanding the impact of drought

The National Drought Group has made it clear that we need a wet autumn and winter for water resources to return to normal. As of 21 October, five regions remained in drought in England, with six others in prolonged dry weather[2] and reservoir levels remain below average.

The agricultural sector has also been hit hard. The continued lack of rainfall has taken a toll on harvests, resulting in significantly lower yields and poorer crop quality.[3] These conditions are stressing ecosystems and threatening long-term water security and food production.

For businesses, this means the focus must remain on managing demand, maintaining supplies and protecting the environment. But there is opportunity to turn this challenge into a proactive approach to water efficiency.

How businesses can lead the way in drought recovery

Understanding your water usage

Now is the time to review your water consumption. The more you understand about your water usage, the easier it is to spot opportunities to save. Without this baseline, it can be difficult to spot and reduce waste, set goals or measure progress.

You can do this through:

• Reviewing your water bills and looking for patterns, seasonal spikes or inconsistencies, and
• Tracking your usage over time, spotting trends and quickly responding to changes. With our PowerBI reporting tools, available through your My Business Stream account, you’ll have the data you need to stay in control and boost your water efficiency. Sign up to My Business Stream.

Leaks

Recent rainfall has caused increased soil movement and cracking, which compresses water pipes and leads to bursts and leaks, making leak detection and repair more critical than ever.

Water wholesalers are being urged to keep leakage under control and repair leaks as soon as possible. Businesses can follow suit by conducting water audits and prioritising upgrades to reduce waste.

To find out more about our leak detection and repair service, visit our water management solutions webpage here.

Water efficiency resources

Raising awareness about water efficiency is good for the planet as well as your business.  Simple actions like turning off taps and checking for leaks can lead to meaningful savings, but they also send a powerful message to your team.

Recent research shows that 70% of Gen Z and Millennials consider a company’s environmental credentials important when evaluating potential employers. For younger workers, sustainability is a core value.[4]

By promoting water-saving habits in the workplace, you can reduce waste while showing employees that your company is committed to sustainability and doing the right thing.

You can find helpful resources including colleague engagement tools on our website.

Leading the way in water efficiency

While the rain may have brought some short-term relief, the underlying issues remain.

Businesses that act now by auditing water use, investing in resilience, collaborating and communicating will be more prepared for the next dry spell and support wider recovery.

Sources:

1. Drought expected to continue through autumn despite recent rain - GOV.UK
2. National Drought Group addresses water shortfalls – NFUonline
3. Dry weather and drought in England: 26 September to 2 October 2025 - GOV.UK
4. Why Gen Z are flocking to purpose-driven work – and what this means for your organisation | BHSF