Water firms seek wider drought curbs on businesses in England
Three water companies are asking to extend drought restrictions to businesses in parts of England, potentially barring golf clubs and private schools from irrigating grounds with mains water and stopping commercial car washes. The proposals aim to reduce demand as drought continues to strain water supplies, rivers and wildlife; Defra has yet to decide whether to approve them.
Eleven areas of England remain in drought, and reservoirs are at 54% capacity, 21% below the level expected for autumn. Nineteen reservoirs or groups across England and Wales are below half full, while eight are exceptionally low. The Met Office says sustained above-average rainfall for seven months is needed to end drought across all areas. Southern Water is also seeking permission to take more water from the ecologically sensitive River Test, citing a threat to supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
- Water companies want drought restrictions extended to some businesses.
- England’s reservoirs are at 54% capacity, below the autumn norm.
- Southern Water seeks permission to draw more from the River Test.
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Water companies manage local supplies and can ask for temporary limits on water use during drought. In England, restrictions can cover activities such as watering gardens or washing cars; wider curbs could also affect businesses that use mains water to irrigate grounds or wash vehicles.
Defra, the government department responsible for the environment, must decide whether to approve the proposed extensions. Southern Water is separately seeking permission to take more water from the River Test, which is an ecologically sensitive river.
The issue matters because drought can put pressure on supplies as well as rivers and wildlife. Water companies and regulators have to weigh the need to maintain supplies against the effects of restrictions and extra water extraction.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Extending drought restrictions to businesses could reduce non-essential mains-water use while supplies, rivers and wildlife are under severe pressure. Supporters may argue that golf clubs, private schools and commercial car washes should share the burden of conservation, helping protect essential supplies and ecosystems until rainfall restores reserves.
The case against
Wider restrictions could impose costs on businesses and limit services, while their effect on overall demand may be modest compared with the scale of the drought. Opponents may favour targeted measures or other ways to secure supplies, and argue that restrictions should be proportionate and avoid placing undue burdens on particular sectors.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Businesses could be barred from non-essential water use amid supply threat”.