Posted on 27th August 2026 by Penny Gibbs
Recent rain may have brought some welcome relief, but England’s water resources remain under significant pressure.
As of 18th August, reservoir storage across England had fallen to 62.6%. This was 16.3% below average for the time of year. Around 71% of England was in drought, with seven major reservoirs recording exceptionally low storage.
Protecting the water we already have in reservoirs and emergency water supplies therefore remains an important part of the wider water resilience challenge.
Water shortages do not only affect what comes out of the tap.
The Environment Agency has reported growing impacts across agriculture, public water supplies, navigation and the environment. By 20th August, around 29 million people faced restrictions on their water use. Farm reservoirs were critically low in some areas and more than 1,500 abstraction licence restrictions were in place.
The environmental effects are also becoming increasingly visible. Drought-related incidents this year include algal blooms, fish deaths and deteriorating water quality.
Hot, dry weather can also increase wildfire risk, creating another demand for water at a time when supplies are already under pressure. Earlier in August, firefighters used water from the River Nene to tackle a wildfire at Holme Fen. Many of us have also seen local fires devastate wildlife and the environment on our doorstep.
The effects are reaching our leisure and daily activities too. Water quality concerns have forced organisers to change the National HUUB Triathlon Relays to a duathlon. Helena was due to take part in the event on 29th August.
Rivers and open water venues are also facing challenges around safely hosting activities. Blue-green algae levels have prevented a local water ski venue from operating during the school holidays. This puts additional pressure on the business during an important trading period.
These are different problems, but all form part of a much bigger picture around the availability and quality of our water.
Much of the national conversation has focused on building new reservoirs and increasing future water capacity.
New infrastructure is important, but it takes years to plan, design and build. In fact, England has not built a major new reservoir since 1992.
There is also a more immediate question: what can we do to protect the water already in storage?
That is where shade balls can play a role.
Euro-Matic shade balls float freely across open water surfaces and naturally adjust as water levels rise and fall. They cover approximately 91% of the exposed surface, reducing the amount of water directly exposed to sunlight and wind.
This can reduce evaporation by up to 90%, helping to conserve water that would otherwise be lost to the atmosphere.
Reducing evaporation is particularly relevant during prolonged periods of drought, but shade balls can offer other benefits too.
Reducing sunlight penetration helps suppress algae growth, supporting water quality at a time when algal blooms are already one of the environmental impacts associated with the current drought.
Unlike permanent covers or complex engineering projects, shade balls require no structural alterations to existing reservoirs. Installation is quick and causes minimal disruption. Shade balls also provide a low-maintenance solution with a lifespan of more than 25 years.
For reservoirs, emergency water supplies and other open water storage, this provides a practical way to protect more of the water already available.
This challenge recently put Euro-Matic’s shade balls in the spotlight, with the Express & Star asking whether our technology could help tackle the UK’s water shortage.
The feature highlighted an important part of the current water debate. Building new reservoirs remains important for the future, but we can take action to protect existing supplies now.
Water companies, farmers and industry around the world have successfully used our shade balls for many years to support water conservation.
No single product will solve the UK’s drought or water security challenges. But when reservoir levels are falling and emergency water supplies are increasingly important, reducing unnecessary evaporation from suitable open water storage can make a valuable contribution.
Protecting our water supplies is not only about preparing for the next heatwave. It is about building greater resilience for the challenges that drought, extreme temperatures and changing weather patterns can bring.
If you manage a reservoir, emergency water supply or other open water storage, contact Euro-Matic to discuss how shade balls could help reduce evaporation and protect the water you already have.
