Proposals to help refill two reservoirs approved

Proposals to help refill two reservoirs in Derbyshire after the warmest summer on record have been given the go-ahead.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it had approved a drought permit application from Severn Trent Water to help refill Carsington and Ogston Reservoirs, which supply water to areas in Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

According to the government body, the drought permit changes licence conditions that state when and how much water can be taken from the River Derwent to fill the reservoirs.

The agency added reservoirs at the end of October in the East Midlands were 48% full compared with 85% at the same time last year.

The EA said its East and West Midlands areas had been in drought since 15 July 2025 and added drought conditions may continue into next year.

The permit enables Severn Trent Water to secure public water supplies, should below-average rainfall continue, the agency said.

Bryan Hemmings, from the EA, said: "We only issue a drought permit if there are clear plans in place to mitigate any impact on the environment – along with strong evidence from the water company of their ongoing commitment to reduce leaks, improve water efficiency and conserve water."

The agency added Severn Trent Water would have to inform the EA before using the drought permit and would also have to carry out monitoring and mitigation to manage potential environmental impacts.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: "The Midlands was declared as being in drought following a record-breaking dry spring and summer, the driest and warmest on record, which has resulted in less water in rivers and reservoirs.

"This drought permit will support the refill of Carsington and Ogston Reservoirs, which supply customers in the Derbyshire and Leicestershire areas, and helps us plan and prepare for summer 2026."

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