After heavy rain: Why are water restrictions needed?

Fresh water restrictions are in force for summer in areas of southern England, but with a bout of recent thunderstorms, why are they still necessary?

Restrictions, including hosepipe bans, are now in effect across Kent, Sussex, Cornwall, and parts of Devon as water companies seek to avoid scenes seen last year as reservoirs quickly depleted.

In recent weeks, we have seen a deluge of rainfall, including flash-flooding in some areas. Despite this, restrictions remain in place and may be expanded as the season continues,

This rainfall arrives mainly through thunderstorm systems which affect small localised areas. Where heavy rain is falling over one city, another just a mile away can remain dry.

Due to this, heavy rainfall events such as thunderstorms do not help replenish water reservoirs to levels required to ensure supplies through summer. Prolonged spells of rain are needed to ensure that reserves can be restocked.

Last year the UK and Ireland experienced bouts of drought which even saw the source of the River Thames dry completely. Weather & Radar meteorologist Tamsin Green visited the scene.

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