Water firm has avoided hosepipe bans for 30 years

According to the latest reading on its website, taken on 13 July, the capacity of Severn Trent’s reservoirs was at about 77.4%.

“That is OK for the time of year,” Perry said, “but… if consumption is high through the summer, it can drain those [the reservoirs] down quicker than we would like.

“That’s why it’s important customers use water wisely.”

At Tittesworth Reservoir near Leek, Staffordshire – one of the company’s smallest – capacity was at about 55%.

“It does drain down a bit more quickly than some of our others, so it’s not unusual, but it is one of the early warnings for us to be getting the message out,” Perry added.

“If customers use water wisely, that gives us the best chance of getting through the summer without any restrictions.”

Perry said overall, the reservoirs were in better shape than they were last year due to 2026 being wetter.

“If you cast your minds back to last year it was very hot but it was also very dry,” he added.

“It’s been a bit wetter so our reservoir position is broadly in a better place than it was last year, which is good.”