Groundwater levels at the end of February were notably or exceptionally low in most of England, according to the Environment Agency’s drought prospects report.
Aquifers are running drier than the same point in 1976, when a summer drought became so severe there was widespread water rationing. Farmers in Shropshire are already reporting air pockets in their water flow, a sign it is soon to run out.
People reliant on private supplies fed by aquifers are being advised to consider drilling deeper boreholes or making back-up plans with neighbours.
Failing that, local authorities are responsible for making sure households have a clean and wholesome supply, which means working with water companies. Shropshire Council, for one, is looking to set up community standpipes for emergency use.
Around 1 per cent of the population of England and Wales have a private domestic supply from groundwater or surface water bodies.
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