People in the south-east of England are being urged to save water after months of rainfall as low as 30 per cent of the usual amount.
Affinity Water, which supplies to properties in parts of London, Kent and the Home Counties, suggested gardeners should sow “drought-resistant” plants and water from the roof should be stored in a water barrel.
The firm said that there had been low rainfall since July last year and that water in underground aquifers was below average.
The Environment Agency has also warned people to “use water wisely” following the prolonged dry spell.
One of the predicted effects of climate change is that the south and east of the UK will get drier while parts of the north and west will get wetter.
In a statement on its website, Affinity Water said: “Like all water companies, we depend on rain for the water we supply to you.
“Since July 2016 there has been low rainfall and the water in our aquifers and rivers that we use to supply your water has dropped below average.
“From January to March 2017, rainfall has been 50 to 70 per cent below the average for this time of year in our Central and Southeast regions.
“This means we have not seen the usual rise in groundwater levels that we would usually expect.” A long-range weather forecast by the Met Office suggests the next few months will be drier and warmer than average.
“The Environment Agency, water companies, businesses and farmers are working together to minimise any potential impacts to people and the environment should the dry weather continue.” Reuse content