The latest water resources briefing document, published last week by the Environment Agency has revealed that Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, parts of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and West Norfolk still remain in drought, as rainfall has yet to replenish river, reservoir and groundwater levels following an incredibly dry spring and autumn in 2011.

The briefing revealed that wet weather over winter in other areas has alleviated the situation, with improved river flows and reservoir levels for many formerly affected counties. Nevertheless, the report cautions that Shropshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, East Sussex and Kent are all still experiencing low groundwater levels for the time of year.

There is still a high risk of drought in spring and summer throughout Central, Eastern and Southern England, unless rainy weather continues. All regions received average or above rainfall in December. The EA said it has not ruled out the possibility of drought permits and restrictions on water use. A drought this year could affect habitats, agriculture and waterway navigation.

Winter rainfall has gone some way towards reducing soil moisture deficits in most regions, but the EA warned that the East of England still has an exceptionally high spoil moisture deficit (61mm).

Winter abstraction restrictions on agricultural business have continued to decrease since December. There are eight licences restricted in the Midlands region, 75 licences in the Anglian region and around 150 licences in the South East.

A Met Office map of rainfall in 2011 reveals just how little rain parts of the country have received:

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