2025 gave the UK quite a drought — will 2026 be better? And what can you do to save water?


2025 brought the UK a severe drought — will 2026 be better? And what can you do to save water? 

The UK experienced an unusually dry spring and summer in 2025, with record low rainfall and several heatwaves stressing water supplies. Reservoir levels dropped well below average, and parts of the country faced hosepipe bans and serious pressure on rivers and wildlife habitats. Experts even warned that the drought situation might not recover fully without a wet winter — meaning drought conditions could continue or worsen in 2026 unless we see sustained rainfall soon.

❗️Bottom line:
👉 A single wet day won’t fix the drought. The Environment Agency and meteorologists say we need sustained rainfall through the autumn and winter to refill rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater. If that doesn’t happen, dry conditions — and water restrictions — could stick around into 2026.

🌦️ So what’s likely for 2026?
Weather is never certain, but current forecasts and drought outlooks suggest continued risk of water stress unless the coming winter is wetter than average. That means we still need to act now — not just hope for rain.

💡 What you can do to save water — and help the UK cope

Even in winter or when it feels wet outside, water levels in reservoirs and the countryside can remain low. Here are practical, everyday actions you can take to protect this vital resource 🌿:

💧 In the home

  • Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing teeth.

  • Only run washing machines and dishwashers with a full load.

  • Install water-saving devices (e.g., low-flow showerheads and tap aerators).

💦 Outdoors & garden

  • Use a watering can, not a hose — a hosepipe can use up to 1,000 L/hour!

  • Collect rainwater in a water butt to water plants when it isn’t raining.

📉 Long-term & behaviour change

  • Fit a water meter (often means lower bills if you use less).

  • Choose water-efficient appliances (look for water-saving labels).

  • Fix leaks promptly — even small drips add up.

🌱 Why it matters
Only about 0.3% of water on Earth is usable freshwater, and our supplies depend on environmental systems that are stressed by climate change. Every litre saved helps protect nature, secures public supplies, and builds resilience against future droughts.

💬 Talking point: Sustainable water use isn’t just a summer job. It’s something we all need to carry into winter and beyond if we want healthy rivers, thriving ecosystems and reliable taps.

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