Water levels are much improved on last year, the government says

Environment Minister Lord Rooker said October 2006 to February this year had been the wettest period since 1914.

Reservoirs were in a "healthier position than the same time in each of the last two years," he added.

But Labour's Lord Rosser warned that the need to use water "more sparingly" should not be forgotten.

'Normal'

Lord Rooker said that due to the wet weather from October 2006 to February 2007 "most reservoirs and ground water levels are normal for the time of year".

He added: "Consequently the outlook for the supply is much improved on recent years."

To laughter, he added: "It was the right kind of rain. It filled the aquifiers in the reservoirs...

"No-one's going to say it's perfect but we have got enough water."

Lord Rooker also said: "I can't say what will happen this year but we are confident of the water supply we have. It will be OK this summer."

Last summer south-east England suffered a drought after the previous two consecutive dry winters led to reservoirs and aquifers not being replenished.