No hosepipe ban in Warwickshire despite record dry spell

The past 18 months have been the driest on record in the Midlands with the region only receiving 40 per cent of its long-term average rainfall last month.

But water company Severn Trent says it has taken steps to ensure it does not have to impose restrictions, such as hosepipe bans, on its customers unless the situation gets much worse.

Water resources manager Marcus O’Kane said: “Dozens of individual measures are being taken to ensure our customers do not face any usage restrictions this year, but we can’t afford to be complacent.

“Although we would never rule out the prospect of restrictions, we are confident we have the situation under control at this time.”

While other areas of the country are facing restrictions the drought in the Midlands is affecting wildlife and nature reserves such as Ufton Fields, where fish have died due to low water levels.

Birds and animals, which feed on earthworms and soil insects, are suffering as their prey retreats deeper underground while lower flows and levels in streams, rivers and ponds are also threatening frogs, newts and insects such as dragonflies,

Stephen Trotter, chief executive of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, said: “There is a direct link between the amount of water we consume at home and work and the amount we take from the environment.

“The trust encourages everyone to use water wisely to help conserve wildlife.”

While there has been more rain this month, which has helped in the short-term, the Environment Agency has said at least six months of above average rainfall are needed for water levels to return to normal and a dry summer will lead to river levels dropping even more.

For water saving tips go online. www.stwater.co.uk/category/375