2026: A year we prepare, not react

However, 2025 reminded us just how quickly conditions can change. Heavy rainfall and flooding in one season can be followed by long dry spells and drought in the next. Early in 2025, rainfall was relatively high in some regions, but by summer much of England was in drought, reservoirs had dropped to low levels, Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans) were introduced in several areas, and the environment faced serious pressure. That unpredictability is becoming a defining feature of our climate.

Throughout 2025, the Environment Agency carried out fish rescues, gave advice to farmers and other organisations, and worked with water companies on drought permits to help maintain supplies. Due to wetter weather in the autumn and winter, all areas are now out of drought, and the risk is low going into 2026 – but pockets of risk remain, and environmental recovery often takes time.

We saw last year that while the weather can turn quickly, so too can people’s commitment to saving water. Communities stepped up when water restrictions were introduced, cutting back their use which made a real difference. Nearly 3 billion litres of water were saved in the first two months of Yorkshire Water’s hosepipe ban alone, equivalent to the total usage of almost 160,000 homes: a powerful reminder that small individual actions can add up to a huge collective impact.

But saving water shouldn’t be confined to emergencies. It was great to see people responding positively and using less water during the hot summer of 2025 – can we keep that going? When we all do our bit – from households and schools to local councils, businesses, water companies and community groups – we can take the pressure off during the summer and help protect our homes, workplaces, communities and the environment.

Prepare now, while it’s wet.

This wet season is the perfect opportunity to get ahead and prepare. A little effort now can save water, money and stress later. Here’s some things you can do now:

Install a water butt… and let it fill

Now’s the perfect time to get a water butt. Set it up while rainfall is plentiful so it’s ready to go when dry spells arrive. Water butts can collect from multiple roof surfaces: your house, garage, shed, or greenhouse – and you can link butts together, so excess water automatically flows from one to the next. For an extra boost, you can fit a diverter to a bath or shower to collect ‘grey’ water for watering garden beds and borders, helping your plants even when it hasn’t rained. Every drop you collect reduces reliance on mains water and helps wildlife thrive.

Rainwater is free and it’s better for your plants too. In hard water areas, rainwater avoids the high pH or alkalinity of mains water, helping sensitive plants like rhododendrons, camellias and other container-grown plants flourish. Optional extras include timed irrigation systems for pots and containers, or water-retention granules in your compost, making daily watering easier and more efficient.

Check for leaks

Leaks are sneaky (especially in toilets and taps) and can waste hundreds of litres every day without you even noticing. A quick check now can prevent a lot of wasted water. Take part in Waterwise’s Leaky Loo Challenge: a simple test with a piece of toilet paper will show whether your toilet is leaking. No leak? Brilliant. Found a leak? Don’t panic! We’ll guide you on the next steps to fix it.

Fix small problems before they grow

Dripping taps? Faulty valves? Inefficient fittings? Leaky toilet? Sorting them now means you’ll prevent bigger problems (and bigger bills) later. Think of it as spring cleaning for water: small fixes now mean a more efficient, less stressful home later.

Plan for summer

Start by understanding your soil, knowing whether it’s clay, sandy or chalky helps you choose plants that will thrive in your garden’s natural conditions. Perennials are great to consider, as their deeper roots often cope better with changing weather. Actively choosing plants that will do better in drier summers is a great option this time of year. Visit your local nursery or garden centre for knowledgeable advice. Mulching (applying a layer of loose material to retain moisture) also makes a big difference. Think of it as creating nature’s own water butt in your soil, helping it hold onto moisture during dry spells while also improving structure during wetter months.

Review workplace water use

Small changes at work can have a big impact. Routine maintenance, leak detection, and minor efficiency upgrades are much easier to implement before demand peaks. Not only will this save water, but it can also reduce costs and prevent headaches down the line, keeping your workplace running smoothly all year round. For sector-specific advice, organisations like the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) offer guidance for retailers, growers and landscapers.

Small habits, big impact

Encourage simple daily actions that add up over time. Run dishwashers only when full and on eco settings. Report dripping taps or running toilets straight away. Refill water bottles instead of pouring excess water away. Even small behavioural shifts across a team can save significant volumes of water over the course of a year – and help build a culture where using water wisely becomes second nature.

Reducing pressure on our water environment is a shared effort. From the public, to businesses, farmers and water companies – playing our part now, while it’s wet, helps build resilience for the drier months ahead.