The Environment Agency has warned that despite the recent wet weather, groundwater levels are still the same as last week.

In its most recent drought briefing, the Agency has said that though the rain is beneficial for farmers, much more rain is needed.

“Because the soils are so dry, the rainfall needs to fully wet up the soil before further rainfall can percolate down to underlying aquifers. Groundwater levels remain very similar to last week,” the document states.

Reservoir stocks have increased or remain similar to last week at the majority of reservoirs. Stocks remain exceptionally low for the time of year at three reservoirs in the South East region and two in the Anglian region.

The drought permit granted to Southern Water to help refill Bewl Water (currently at 50 per cent capacity) will remain in place until the end of April with no further permits anticipated. Sutton and East Surrey Water has a drought permit to help refill Bough Beech reservoir until 31 May.

The Agency outlines other steps that is currently taking to manage the drought:

“We are continuing discussions with Thames Water over a number of possible permit options. The Thames Water desalination plant, which was turned off for maintenance to be carried out, is now back up and running (although it is not required to run at full capacity).

We continue to monitor Anglian Water’s drought permit to help refill Rutland Water. This is due to expire at the end of April.

We are in discussions with Anglian Water and Severn Trent Water regarding transferring additional water via the Trent-Witham-Ancholme scheme using Severn Trent Water’s Birmingham groundwater sources to supply Anglian Water. “