Flash Droughts and Rising Reservoirs: Climate Change’s New Water Game

Climate change has changed the way droughts happen, especially in places like the West Midlands. Draycote Water, a large reservoir in Warwickshire, is a key source of water for homes and businesses. Fifty years ago, in 1976, the region experienced a major drought that followed a dry winter, spring, and summer. This year, the situation is different. After a winter filled with rain, the reservoirs were full, but then the rain stopped suddenly in spring. This quick shift into drought is now called a 'flash drought,' a term that describes how fast the weather changed. It highlights the impact of climate change, which has brought wetter winters and hotter, drier summers to the area.

Draycote Water is a 240-hectare reservoir and country park that gets its water from the River Leam. It supplies drinking water to towns like Rugby and Coventry. In 1976, during the drought, the reservoir was only 43% full because of the dry weather leading up to it. In 2026, during another drought, Draycote is 80% full, but the fields around it are dry and scorched. Severn Trent, the company managing the reservoir, is making improvements. Doug Clarke, who leads water resources planning, explained that they are raising the height of the reservoir by about 60 centimeters. This will allow them to store more water for the future. Upgrade works are happening now to help the region prepare for more droughts.

Back in 1976, there was a hosepipe ban because water was so scarce. For the past 30 years, Severn Trent has not needed a hosepipe ban. They have improved water storage, moved water more efficiently, and fixed leaks. However, Doug Clarke admits that droughts are still a big challenge. On very hot days, people use about 400 million liters more water each day, which is a 25% increase. Draycote Water is also a popular spot for walking, fishing, and watersports. Evidence of climate change can be seen in the Central England Temperature Record, which shows that since 1990, summers have become much hotter. What used to be unusual hot weather is now normal. Even though there is no hosepipe ban, people are advised to use water carefully. Climate change has made hot weather and droughts more common, so everyone needs to be mindful of their water use.