We’re using water faster than it’s being replaced in England – the Environment Agency predicts that by 2055 demand for water could exceed supply by 5 billion litres a day. To avoid this shortfall, we all need to use water more responsibly.
That’s why we’re supporting Ofwat’s Let’s Save Water campaign. It’s a nationwide initiative backed by water companies and regulators to help people and businesses across England and Wales to reduce their water consumption.
Why should we save water?
Climate change is making winters wetter and summers much hotter and drier. And with growing populations, our water resources are under increasing pressure.
- Summer 2026 was the hottest on record
- Reservoirs across the country fell below 50% capacity
- Nearly 9 million people faced hosepipe bans
- 27% of groundwater and 15% of rivers and lakes are being used more than they can sustain
- Almost half of England’s water zones are expected to face a shortfall by 2030
- By 2070 we’ll have 30% more rain in winter but 60% less rain in summer
Drought in the South West
The water situation is becoming more challenging across the world, and especially in the South West of England. England is one of the most water-stressed countries in Europe, and the south of the country has been particularly hard hit by the dry weather this year. The southern part of the country had 50% less rain than average in spring, 38% less in summer and 39% less in September.
As a result of the dry conditions and low water resources, on 15 October 2026 the Environment Agency announced severe drought status for several areas in the South East and South West, including parts of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.
This hot, dry weather has a lasting impact on water resources, even when it starts to rain again. The ground has dried up over the summer, so when rain has returned, most of that water has been soaked up by the soil without replenishing water sources. So even when it’s raining, we still need to use water carefully.
What we’re doing
We’re investing to protect our water resources, upgrading infrastructure and increasing supply, while finding and fixing leaks as quickly as we can. We’re also working with businesses and customers to help everyone reduce their water use. For example, we’re giving away free water-saving devices – just fill out our get WaterFit survey to claim yours.
Everyone has a part to play
Most people think they use around 30 litres of water a day. We actually use almost 5 times more – 140 litres each on average. To protect water supplies, we need to reduce that consumption by about a quarter.
It’s all about making little changes, from fixing dripping taps to taking shorter showers. Everything we do to save water will help build a stronger water system that’s ready for the future. Every Drop Counts.