England's drought: key facts
Almost three-quarters of England are now in drought after the driest July in 190 years. An estimated 45 million people are living in drought areas, while over 27 million have hosepipe bans in place. The National Drought Group has warned that all regions are experiencing pressure on water resources.
Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last.”
Simple changes can cut bills
Reena Sewraz, Which? money expert, told the Mirror: “A drought doesn’t have to mean spending more money. In fact, for households on a water meter, using less water can directly help to keep bills down. Simple changes such as taking shorter showers, only running washing machines and dishwashers when they’re full, and fixing dripping taps or leaking toilets can all make a difference.”
Fix any leaks: dripping taps and leaking pipes can waste thousands of litres each year. Water UK suggests a dripping tap wastes at least 5,500 litres a year. Look for damp patches, drops in water pressure, or unusually high bills.
Shower vs bath, dishwasher vs hand wash
A short shower uses less water than a full bath. The Energy Saving Trust estimates swapping a bath for a four-minute shower once a week could save £10 a year. You also save energy, as heating water accounts for around 12% of energy bills, according to Smart Energy GB.
Which? research found dishwashers use almost 80% less water than washing up by hand—but only if you wait until the machine is full. Even bigger savings are possible with eco mode.
Other water-saving tips
- Wait for a full wash load, but don't overfill—clothes need room to spin. Wash at 30°C or 20°C with eco or quick settings.
- Claim free water-saving gadgets via Save Water Save Money, including shower heads, tap inserts, and cistern bags.
- Turn the tap off when brushing teeth, shorten showers, and keep a jug of cold water in the fridge.
- Reuse water safely—leftover vegetable water can go on plants, but avoid potentially contaminated water near edible crops.
Hosepipe bans and lawns
Hosepipe bans cover Greater London, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Devon, Cornwall, parts of Essex, Suffolk, and the Thames Valley. Using a hosepipe risks a £1,000 fine. Switch to a watering can or invest in a water butt.
Let the lawn go brown—it will recover when rain returns. Which? says there's no need to water grass constantly. If reseeding, wait for better conditions to save money.
