Why is the UK facing droughts if it rains so much?

The UK is known for its rainy weather, so it might seem surprising that we often face drought warnings. Just this week, Yorkshire Water announced a hosepipe ban across the region after experiencing its driest and warmest spring on record.

The key issue is that frequent rain doesn’t always mean water is readily available when and where we need it. Firstly, rainfall isn’t evenly spread across the country. Regions like Wales and the Lake District receive plenty of rain, while the southeast, where the population is densest, tends to be much drier.

Another problem is how the rain falls. Instead of gentle, steady rain that soaks into the ground, we’re getting more heavy downpours. These downpours cause water to run off quickly into rivers and out to sea, without filling up reservoirs or underground water stores.

So, even though it might feel like it’s always raining, the water isn’t always going where we need it or staying around long enough to be beneficial. This is why we can still face droughts and why water scarcity in the UK is becoming a growing concern. According to the Environment Agency, England is on course to face a staggering daily water shortfall of five billion litres by 2055.

What’s the link to climate change?

Summers in the UK are becoming hotter and drier, while winters are bringing heavier rain and more frequent storms. These shifting weather patterns are closely linked to climate change and they’re making droughts more likely than ever.

Warmer weather means more water evaporates from the ground, rivers and reservoirs. It also dries out the soil, which makes it harder for rain to be absorbed when it does come. So even if we get the same amount of rain over the year, we may not be able to store enough water.

We’re also seeing more extreme weather. One month might bring floods and the next could be dry with no rain at all. This stop-start pattern makes it harder to manage water supplies and to plan ahead.

In short, climate change is making our weather less reliable. It’s not just about having less rain, it’s also about when and how that rain falls.

Water waste: the challenges around ageing infrastructure

Even when we do have plenty of rain, a lot of water is lost before it ever reaches our taps. That’s because much of the UK’s water system is old and in need of repair – some of the pipes we’re still using were built over 100 years ago when we weren’t facing the water demand pressures of today.

Fixing the pipes that need repair is also a complex and expensive task, with many of the country’s ageing pipes buried deep underground or run beneath high-traffic areas. During periods of heavy rainfall, these outdated systems often struggle to manage water efficiently.

The water regulator, Ofwat, has put in place provisions for £104 billion of investment in the latest price review period, which will help address this challenge, alongside meeting environmental targets and delivering better outcomes for customers.  You can find out more about the price review on our website.

We’re using more water than ever, but why?

It’s not just the weather that’s causing problems, how we use water is changing too. The UK’s population is growing, especially in cities and that means more people are using more water every day.

We also use water in ways we didn’t in the past. Showers, dishwashers, garden hoses and paddling pools all have an impact. In hot weather, water use can spike as people try to stay cool and keep their gardens green. This increase in water use, coupled with lower reservoir levels is what can sometimes lead to hosepipe bans, especially in areas where supplies are already stretched.

Farming and industrial units also need large amounts of water, especially during dry spells. All of this puts extra pressure on a system that’s already struggling.

Looking ahead, we must find smarter, more sustainable ways to use and save water. While the substantial investment in upgrading infrastructure is a critical step forward, it’s only part of the solution. We all have a role to play, whether it’s through installing water meters to monitor usage, implementing water-efficient technologies, harvesting rainwater or reusing water where possible. By making these changes today, we can collectively ease the pressure on our water systems and build resilience against the growing challenge of water scarcity.

Take control of your water use today

Climate change, ageing infrastructure and growing demand are all putting pressure on our water supply. To keep the taps running, we need to think differently about how we use and manage water.

• Find out more and contact our expert team on our Solutions webpage.
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Sources:

• England faces 5 billion litre public water shortage by 2055 without urgent action - GOV.UK
• Price Review 2024 and what it means for business customers
• Hosepipe ban for Yorkshire Water customers as reservoir levels dwindle - BBC News

FAQs

Q1: Why does the UK face drought despite heavy rain?
Rainfall is uneven and often falls in heavy downpours, causing runoff instead of replenishing reservoirs.

Q2: How does climate change affect UK water supply?
Hotter summers and extreme weather reduce water storage and increase scarcity.

Q3: Can AI help prevent water shortages?
Yes, AI-powered analytics predict drought patterns and optimise water usage for businesses and households.

Q4: What can businesses do to reduce water costs?
Install smart meters, adopt water-efficient technologies and monitor usage with AI-driven tools.