HEAVY autumn rainfall has helped Somerset rivers and reservoirs recover from the hottest summer on record.

The Environment Agency, which last July declared ‘prolonged dry weather status’, a precursor to ‘drought’, said the area was now ‘in recovery’.

However, more heavy rain was needed to prevent a return to ‘prolonged dry weather’, which was where water sources were impacted by high temperatures and a lack of rainfall.

The agency said the Wessex region in September saw 142 per cent of its long-term average rainfall, with 128 per cent in November, and a wet start to December.

Previously, England experienced the second driest six-month period, March to August, since records began in 1871.

Drought was expected to be declared in the Westcountry next March if the below-average rainfall had continued.

But, Wessex Water reservoir levels were now back to 94 per cent and Exmoor’s giant Wimbleball Lake was 62 per cent full, although still lowest of all but one of South West Water’s 17 reservoirs.

Wimbleball fell to barely one-quarter full in late November after the hottest summer on record.

The agency said high river flows and the partial refilling of water company reservoirs were signs the water situation was improving.

Environment Agency spokesman Ian Withers said: “The return of heavy rain has benefited the environment after a very dry period.

“But there is no guarantee that sustained rainfall will continue.

“We still need a wet winter to prevent the water situation from deteriorating again.

“Best practices for water sustainability cannot be discarded.

“Rain or shine, we all have a responsibility for sensible water use.

“The risk of flooding remains even during a drought.

“Stay alert, follow flood warning guidance and be ready to deploy any personal property protection.”

Mr Withers said underground aquifers provided much of the region’s drinking water and they needed to be replenished over several months.