Why Water Matters: Acting Now to Survive The Droughts
Water is something most of us rarely think about- until droughts hit and it’s no longer there.
But across England, that reality is getting closer. It might seem unbelievable, but a recent House of Lords report warns that without urgent action, the country could face water shortages of up to 5 billion litres a day by 2055. That’s roughly equivalent to 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Every single day.
It’s an important reminder that water, one of our most vital natural resources, is under pressure.
Why is this happening?
Like many river problems, a combination of factors is behind the issue.
However, the most significant is climate change. Climate change is bringing hotter, drier summers with heavier rainfall in winter. It may seem like a balance, it means all the water arrives at once, making it impossible to store for when we need it the most.
At the same time, our growing population and increasing demand from industry are placing additional strain on already stretched supplies.
Recent years have already given us a glimpse of what’s to come. In 2025, England experienced its driest spring since records began in 1884, leading to prolonged drought conditions across many areas.
These once isolated events are no longer one-offs, they’re part of our reality.
Are droughts really that bad for rivers?
It goes without saying that, without water, rivers don’t exist.
Across the catchment, our team are observing an increasing number of becks, streams, and gills completely drying up in summer. This creates serious challenges for the wildlife that depends on them.
Whilst some will be able to move to deeper waters, many will remain trapped- unable to migrate due to man made barriers. Those that can migrate face increased competition for habitat and food, combined with lower oxygen levels as the remaining water heats up.
At the same time, as reservoir levels fall, more water is taken from rivers for drinking water supply (known as abstraction), placing additional pressure on already stressed systems.
On the other hand, heavy winter rainfall lead to high river levels, strong flows, and floods. Whilst a rise in river levels and flow is normal, extremes aren’t. Floods are particularly detrimental for spawning fish such as the Atlantic salmon as they wash away salmon redds, eggs, and young fish. The invertebrates they rely on for food can also be swept downstream, disrupting the entire food chain.
But there is a solution. By holding water in the landscape and reducing demand, we can help rivers stay healthier for longer. Especially during dry periods.
What are Ribble Rivers Trust doing to help?
As flooding and droughts becomes more of an issue, we’re investing more time, effort, and funding into Nature Based Solutions that protect rivers and the landscapes around them.
Physical projects such as wetland creation, floodplain reconnections, and peat restoration help to store water during wet winters, reducing the flood peaks and protecting both river habitats, river residents, and the at-risk communities. But they also slowly release water back into rivers during dry periods, keeping water levels topped up.
There is also a larger connected landscape to look at too.
Healthy rivers are more resilient to change in general; when we remove weirs we make it easier for fish to migrate and find refuge, when we create woodlands we provide shade to keep rivers cool, and when we improve water quality we reduce the chances of algal blooms and eutrophication chocking our waters.
What can we do at home?
There is no doubt about it, big infrastructure and policy changes are important, but everyday choices also play a crucial role.
Water doesn’t just move through rivers, it moves through our homes, streets, and gardens first.
Water Friendly Homes can make a big difference:
Save water where you can
- Turn off taps when brushing teeth
- Fix leaks quickly, because even small drips add up
- Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
Make the most of water
- Install a water butt to collect rainwater for your garden
- Use cooled cooking water instead of tap water where possible
- Create spaces in your garden where water can soak into the ground
Garden with water in mind
- Choose drought-tolerant plants that need less watering
- Add mulch to soil to reduce evaporation
- Keep lawns slightly longer during dry periods to retain moisture
Looking ahead
Water shortages are not a distant possibility, they are a growing risk and they’re affecting us now.
But there is still time to act. Because when it comes to water, everything is connected.
So, what are you waiting for?
Rivers are at the heart of our local landscapes. Whether you’re casting a line, exploring a riverside trail, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, you can help protect these special places now, and for generations to come.
By becoming a Ribble Rivers Trust supporter for just £3 a month, you’ll be funding real, on-the-ground action.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more here: ribbletrust.org.uk/become-a-supporter
