Drought, hosepipe bans remain in place despite wettest week in UK since early February

Water storage 'continued to decline at most reservoirs,' warns National Drought Group

The UK recorded its wettest week since February, but temporary use bans (TUBs) remain in place across large parts of England, according to reports on Tuesday. In the last few days of August and the start of September, more rain fell than during any other week since early February, the BBC reported, citing the Environment Agency (EA). However, despite the shift to wetter weather, all of Wales and most of England remain in drought following a summer of record-breaking heatwaves and extreme dry conditions. Water companies in the country are notifying customers that temporary hosepipe bans are still in force despite the rainfall. According to figures from the EA, in the week from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3, rainfall totals ranged from 26mm in south-east England to 48mm in central England. The National Drought Group warned that water storage "continued to decline at most reservoirs." There has been no change to the EA drought status or the temporary use bans in force across ten water company areas. The EA suggested that while there has been less demand for water due to the cooler and wetter weather, "further significant rainfall is needed" to return to normal conditions.