Thames Water has warned that the current drought conditions affecting much of southern England could persist for several months, potentially lasting until the end of the year. Nevil Muncaster, the company’s strategic water resources director, emphasized the need for continued water conservation to protect the environment during this prolonged dry period.

Since the introduction of a hosepipe ban on July 23, household water demand has decreased by approximately 3 percent in London and by more than 6 percent across the Thames Valley and the Home Counties, according to Thames Water. Despite these reductions, reservoir levels remain below seasonal averages. London’s reservoirs are currently at about 74 percent capacity, lower than expected for this time of year, while the Farmoor Reservoir in Oxfordshire stands at 92 percent full.

Rainfall across the Thames catchment area in July was exceptionally low, measuring less than 1 millimeter—only 2 percent of the long-term average. Concurrently, daily water usage by customers increased by roughly 100 million litres compared to normal levels, placing further strain on rivers, reservoirs, and the water supply network.

Muncaster noted that although some rainfall is forecasted, dry conditions are likely to continue in the coming months. He cited the Environment Agency’s outlook, which predicts drier-than-normal weather through the near term, though he acknowledged this remains subject to change.

Thames Water, the largest water supplier in the UK, is grappling with financial challenges, carrying nearly £20 billion in debt. The company faces uncertainty regarding its long-term viability as cash reserves are expected to run low before the end of the year. Muncaster highlighted that a planned new reservoir at Abingdon, Oxfordshire, aimed at improving water resilience, is unlikely to be operational before 2040.

In addition, the utility faced criticism over the temporary shutdown of its £250 million Beckton desalination plant, which was designed to provide a supplementary water source during droughts. Muncaster defended the decision to take the plant offline this summer for maintenance, citing the unusually wet winter that allowed for uninterrupted repairs. He expressed optimism that the plant would be available for future dry periods once maintenance is completed.