The south of England has just experienced the driest winter in over two decades, with the period October to March being the driest since 95/96 and April realising less than half the usual average rainfall for the month.

This has created challenging conditions for all, including farmers, especially in the south-east, prompting at least one water company to urge its customers to take action now to prevent problems later in the year.

Some farmers have reported some crops starting to suffer from the lack of rain, and although forecasts are for wetter conditions towards the middle of this month, dry conditions are expected to return by the end of May.

According to the Environment Agency, there are no current water supply issues, but that the situation is being carefully monitored and actin would be taken should there be any environmental impacts. A spokesman said: “The Environment Agency, water companies, businesses and farmers are working together to minimise any potential impacts to people and the environment should the dry weather continue.”

Southern Water again published water-saving tips such as only running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers and taking a shower instead of bathing.

The utility company said in a statement: “Despite the dry winter, we don’t believe we will need to take measures, such as introducing Temporary Use Bans, previously known as hosepipe bans, in our water supply areas this spring and summer.

“We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely, with clear plans in place to make sure we’re fully prepared, should the relatively dry weather continue in the months ahead.”

A spokesman for Affinity Water, which supplies customers in parts of southern England, said: “Due to the low rainfall, many rivers across the South East of England have seen flows decrease. Our ground water sources have also been affected by the low rainfall, which is where 60% of the water we supply to our customers comes from.

“We are encouraging our customers to save water to help preserve supplies and minimise the possibility of restrictions this summer.”

Get water coolers and bottled water coolers from Living-Water.