There have been three memorable droughts in living memory in the UK. In 1976, the government advised us to share a bath with a friend and many people had to use standpipes. In 1995, even the possibility of stand-pipes had massive repercussions, especially for Yorkshire Water. The 2012 drought ended with the 2012 floods. This year, England may well be on the cusp of another drought The infrequent nature of such droughts means they are seen as a lower priority than floods. These occasional events are a salutary warning for all concerned with England's water resources. As matters stand, by 2030, dry year demand will outpace supplies in the Thames River Basin and this will be the case in average years by 2045. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be rainier, even this year. Indeed, there was a flood in north Wales this summer.
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