Ten areas remain in drought, with the rest of England still classed as being in prolonged dry weather
Farmers across England continue to face water restrictions, hard soils and concerns over winter fodder as drought pressures persist despite recent rainfall.
The latest Environment Agency drought update, issued on 11 September, shows 549 abstraction licence restrictions remain in place, alongside 1,094 voluntary restrictions cutting water use by 50% across parts of the Thames, Wye and Severn catchments.
National reservoir storage has meanwhile fallen to 56.9%, almost 20% below the level normally expected at this time of year, with 12 reservoirs or reservoir groups now less than half full.
Recent rainfall has eased some pressure on agriculture following the end of the peak irrigation season, but difficult conditions remain for growers lifting root crops.
The Environment Agency said hard soils continue to cause problems, particularly where abstraction restrictions are limiting access to water that could help soften the ground.
Concerns are also mounting over winter livestock feed, with some farms already using fodder that would normally be kept back for the colder months to maintain animal condition.
There are further worries in some areas over whether farm reservoirs will be able to refill sufficiently.
The Environment Agency is also urging farmers to assess soil and weather conditions carefully before spreading slurry or other organic manures, as part of efforts to protect rivers from pollution.
All parts of England received rainfall during the latest reporting period, ranging from 14mm in the east to 46mm in the north-west.
However, September rainfall so far stands at just 33% of the long-term average, while many rivers remain below normal levels and groundwater continues its seasonal decline.
Formal Section 57 restrictions remain in place in parts of East Anglia until 31 October.
Restrictions at Welches Dam in East Anglia have been removed, although voluntary measures could still be requested in Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Cheshire if dry conditions persist.
The Environment Agency has received 35 flexible abstraction requests from the agricultural sector to date and said it continues to work with abstractors and partners over the implementation of restrictions.
The wider drought picture across England remains unchanged, with 10 Environment Agency areas still in drought status and the remainder classed as being in prolonged dry weather.
Public water demand has fallen from levels seen in August, but reservoir storage continues to decline for several water companies.
Temporary use bans remain in place across large parts of England, affecting around 30 million people, while water companies continue to submit drought permits and orders.
Attention will now turn to the National Drought Group meeting on 15 September, when updated autumn and winter projections from water companies will be considered.
The Environment Agency said the overall water resources position “remains poor” despite recent rainfall.