River Thames begins to dry up as drought takes hold

Drought in England
England is presently experiencing a drought. The current hot dry weather has led to a drop in river flows, reservoirs and groundwater levels.

Last month, just 0.6in of rain fell in the London area – just 27 per cent of the average. South-east England has received just over a third of average rainfall. Eastern England has been dry with just 9 mm (19% of average) of rain falling so far in July. South-west England have received over 40 per cent of the monthly average.

Eight water companies companies across south-east England have a full hosepipe and sprinkler ban in place. Nearly 13 million people must not use a hosepipe to wash their cars or water their gardens.

Thames Water’s reservoirs that supply London have remained at about 90 per cent full. A third of all rivers in England and Wales having lower than average levels of water.

The River Thames
A lawyer who is attempting to swim the length of the Thames said there was not enough water to begin at its source. He had to run 20 miles before finding water deep enough to swim in.
This is very different from April 2006 when we took photos of the Thames from its source to sea.

The amount of water flowing over Teddington Weir has also dropped dramatically. The daily torrent of 178million gallons falling to just 44million gallons in times of drought.