Our plans to manage droughts

Every water company must have a Drought Plan that explains how it would manage water supplies during prolonged dry weather or droughts. We are consulting on our Draft Drought Plan 2027 so customers, communities and stakeholders can share their views before it is finalised.

We are asking for feedback on:

No. This consultation is about planning ahead. The Drought Plan is only used if very dry conditions develop over a long period. You can check our current water situation here.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks, starting 22 May to 14 August.

A drought is not just a few weeks of hot weather. It develops when rainfall is consistently low over several seasons and groundwater levels do not recover, especially after winter.

Our water supplies come entirely from chalk groundwater, which relies heavily on winter rainfall to refill. Climate change means dry winters and hot summers are becoming more likely, so planning ahead helps us:

Droughts are rare, but they do happen. The plan sets out actions that would only be used if dry conditions last a long time. Many measures may never be needed, but planning ensures we are ready.

We always start with actions that have the least impact on customers and the environment, including:

Temporary Use Bans (often called hosepipe bans) would only be considered if groundwater levels fall to very low levels after a prolonged dry period, and earlier actions have not reduced demand enough.

Restrictions would apply across our whole supply area, but there are important exemptions, for example:

Household restrictions are introduced first to help protect jobs and essential services for as long as possible. Restrictions on businesses would only be considered in more severe droughts.

Protecting vulnerable customers is a priority at all stages. We:

Customers (or their carers) can register for free via our website or by contacting our customer services team.

Reducing demand is always prioritised to limit environmental pressure. Where supply‑side actions are considered:

A drought permit is a temporary permission to take more water from a specific groundwater source during a severe drought. It would only be used as a last resort and is subject to strict environmental conditions and monitoring.

Yes. The drought permit included in the plan has been supported by:

These show that impacts would be temporary, monitored and managed.

An extreme drought would be a very rare, long‑lasting event affecting multiple seasons, where all other actions have already been taken.

Before emergency measures, we would:

These are extremely unlikely and would only be used in the most severe and prolonged droughts, with support for vulnerable customers prioritised.

We would communicate regularly using:

Information would clearly explain:

We aim to provide as much advance notice as possible, normally including a consultation period before restrictions are introduced.

A drought ends when groundwater supplies recover, not simply when it rains. We look at:

We would:

All consultation responses should be sent directly to Defra, or using the form on this webpage, which will also automatically send your response to Defra.

Yes. All responses are reviewed and considered. We will publish a Statement of Response explaining how feedback has influenced the final Drought Plan.