Drought Risk, Planning for Water Scarcity in a Changing Climate

Drought risk is becoming an increasingly critical issue as climate change disrupts traditional rainfall patterns across the UK. Prolonged dry periods can lead to water shortages, increased maintenance challenges and even impact property values. At Martello, we are proud to set the trends, integrating advanced satellite data from MapImpact into our risk reports long before new regulatory requirements from the Law Society take effect. In this blog post, we explain what drought is, why it matters and provide practical advice to help you prepare for extended dry periods.

Drought occurs when a region experiences an extended period of below-average rainfall, resulting in significant water scarcity. This can affect local ecosystems, reduce agricultural productivity and place additional stress on residential water supplies. In addition, prolonged dry conditions can lead to ground shrinkage, especially in areas with clay-rich soils, which increases the risk of subsidence and other structural issues.

• Water Supply: A reliable water source is essential, particularly for properties that rely on private supplies such as wells or boreholes. Extended droughts may compromise these sources, necessitating additional infrastructure like deeper wells.
• Property Maintenance: Homes built with drought-resistant materials and designs, such as heat-reflective roofing, proper insulation and drought-tolerant landscaping, can help manage heat and reduce water needs during dry spells.
• Structural Integrity: Properties in clay-rich soils are more vulnerable to subsidence when the ground dries out. It is important to review the property history and consult surveyors or specialists to assess any potential risks.
• Regulatory Impact: Some local authorities enforce strict water usage regulations during drought periods, which can affect daily living and property maintenance. Being prepared for these restrictions is crucial.

Our drought risk assessment methodology, which you can learn more about in our Drought Methodology, leverages advanced satellite imagery and detailed environmental data to monitor precipitation trends and soil moisture levels.

During the summer of 2018, parts of East Anglia faced severe drought conditions, with reservoirs reaching record low levels and water restrictions being introduced across several local councils. Rural homeowners, many of whom relied on private water supplies such as wells or boreholes, experienced significant challenges as their sources became unreliable. In response, some properties benefitted from installing rainwater harvesting systems and upgrading their water infrastructure, including the construction of deeper wells to secure a more resilient water supply. This period of prolonged water scarcity underscored the importance of selecting homes built with drought-resistant materials, ensuring reliable water sources and retrofitting with smart water management systems. It also highlighted the need for comprehensive property assessments - precisely the type of forward-thinking approach that Martello’s data-driven reports provide well ahead of any new regulatory mandates.

To mitigate the risks associated with drought, we recommend the following measures:

• Reliable Water Sources: Ensure the property has a reliable water source, especially if it relies on private supplies such as wells or boreholes. Consider how resilient these sources are during extended dry periods and whether additional infrastructure, for example deeper wells, may be required.
• Drought-Resistant Construction: Look for homes that use drought-resistant materials and designs. Properties with heat-reflective roofing, proper insulation and drought-tolerant landscaping can help manage heat and reduce water needs during dry spells.
• Soil Considerations: Properties built on clay-rich soils are more vulnerable to subsidence during droughts, as the ground can shrink when dry. Review the property history and consult surveyors or specialists to assess the risk and potential need for future repairs.
• Local Water Regulations: Research local water usage regulations, particularly during drought periods. Some areas may enforce strict water restrictions that could affect daily living and property maintenance, such as limits on garden watering or car washing.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Consider properties that already have, or can be retrofitted with, rainwater harvesting systems. These systems capture rainwater for non-drinking purposes like irrigation and toilet flushing, reducing reliance on external water supplies during dry spells.

Drought risk is an urgent challenge in our changing climate, but with proactive planning and reliable data, homeowners can safeguard their properties and ensure long-term resilience. Martello’s forward-thinking approach, powered by MapImpact’s innovative assessments, means that you are well prepared even as new regulatory expectations loom. By taking action now, exploring retrofit options and implementing water management strategies, you can create a more sustainable and secure home environment for the future.