00:00Wimbleball Reservoir in Somerset is just 14.9% full as severe drought hits parts of southern
00:06England. The Environment Agency has declared severe drought across parts of six counties
00:12following months of exceptionally dry weather. Nearby, Ardingley Reservoir in West Sussex is
00:17only 19.4% full. At this time of year, reservoir storage would normally be around 75%, according
00:25to the authorities. The problem follows the hottest summer on record and the driest April
00:31to September period in more than a century across southern England. Water companies are
00:35now facing tighter monitoring, while drought permits allow them to reduce certain releases
00:40from reservoirs into rivers. Hosepipe restrictions are already in force in several affected areas.
00:46Officials say household supplies are expected to continue uninterrupted. But recovery depends
00:52on rainfall and careful water use. Farmers are also concerned about the impact on livestock,
00:57harvesting, and next year's crops. For now, the priority is conserving water, while giving
01:03depleted reservoirs a chance to recover. Disclosure, this video contains stock footage and content
01:08created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
