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England’s drought deepens as reservoirs hit 66% capacity

8/17/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

England is facing drought as reservoirs average 66% capacity, leading to hosepipe bans.
Professor Hannah Cloke says the water network lacks long-term storage and that no reservoirs have been built since the 2025 pledge.
The White Horse reservoir near Abingdon could cost up to £7.5 bn and is slated for 2040.
The Environment Agency warns England will need five billion litres by 2055, beyond the 700 million litres the nine reservoirs would add.

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Story summary

England is facing drought as reservoirs average 66% capacity, leading to hosepipe bans.
Professor Hannah Cloke says the water network lacks long-term storage and that no reservoirs have been built since the 2025 pledge.
The White Horse reservoir near Abingdon could cost up to £7.5 bn and is slated for 2040.
The Environment Agency warns England will need five billion litres by 2055, beyond the 700 million litres the nine reservoirs would add.