Over recent years the UK has had earlier and hotter summers, which have brought droughts and hosepipe bans with them. Water levels have not been replenished properly, causing great problems in providing the amount of water that consumers and industry are used to.

A drought is a prolonged period without rainfall, leading to the depletion of stored water reserves. During a drought, restrictions are placed on the use of water and this may lead to the disruption of the water supply and the use of stand-pipes. Water restrictions are becoming normal within the south-east of England. In an extreme drought, this may start to affect the ability to perform basic household functions.