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Written question asked by Sarah Olney (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Droughts: Reservoirs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of the 2022 drought on the Queen Mary, Queen Mother and Wraysbury reservoirs.

Answer

In 2022 the Environment Agency declared a drought in south east England. This resulted in lower than average flows in the River Thames, reducing the volumes that could be abstracted and stored in reservoirs in London, including the Queen Mary, Queen Mother and Wraysbury reservoirs.

Thames Water has said London’s total reservoir storage fell to around 58%, compared to a normal seasonal average of 75%, as a result of this reduced abstraction and higher than normal demand associated with the prolonged dry weather. The reservoirs were subsequently filled when the drought ended, recovering to normal levels over the autumn and winter period.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26077
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Greater London Droughts Reservoirs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk