Households in the West Country have been asked to take measures, including having shorter showers, after the region was officially categorised as being in prolonged dry weather. The Environment Agency (EA) confirmed on Tuesday, July 21, that the area, which includes Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Dorset and Wiltshire, now holds that status due to a lack of rainfall and high temperatures.
Prolonged dry weather status
The EA said the status was updated because of the environmental impact created by the dry conditions. It applies to Bristol, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, with neighbouring parts of Gloucestershire and Hampshire also affected. The agency noted that officers are expecting more environmental incidents this summer as a result of low river flows, high water temperatures and fish struggling for oxygen as weeds and algal blooms thrive.
Drought conditions have not yet been declared, but the EA says water levels at groundwater sites are now starting to become below normal or notably low, while the forecast remains largely dry with a chance of showers later this month. Prolonged dry weather is the step that precedes the declaration of droughts, which is assessed and declared by the National Drought Group.
Environmental impact and response
Matt Akers, environment planning and engagement manager at the EA, said: “There’s been a big difference in the environment in the past month. June had 132% of its typical rainfall. This month we’ve had less than 1% so far. We are seeing low river flows in places like the Hampshire Avon and water temperatures of 24C, which is almost tropical. The Environment Agency is keeping a close eye on the situation and remains ready to respond to incidents created by these conditions.”
Parts of the West Country are already under Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans). The EA has been actively responding to incidents of fish in distress, most recently helping move hundreds of fish in the River Tarrant in Dorset to a safer location. Weed cutting and vegetation removal is also planned.
Water conservation advice
Despite a wet start to 2026, March to May saw the West Country get below-average rainfall. Above-average rain in June did not make up for that loss as 82% of it fell within the first ten days and not uniformly across the area. The situation is being monitored by the National Drought Group. The EA says everyone has a part to play in ensuring that water isn’t needlessly wasted, and drew attention to the Let’s Save Water campaign. Simple ways to reduce water use include shortening your shower, fixing home leaks, swapping the hosepipe for a bucket or watering can, using a washing up bowl and the eco mode on your appliances.
