The National Drought Group has warned that several parts of the country are on the brink of water shortages, with hosepipe bans potentially extended to millions more people this summer.
The group stated that parts of southern, central and eastern England are close to experiencing the same conditions as more than a dozen other areas already under restrictions. Seven water companies, including Thames Water, Southern Water and Southeast Water, have imposed restrictions due to weeks without rain in some areas.
Areas in 'Prolonged Dry Weather' Stage
The NDG revealed which areas are currently in the critical stage before official drought, termed 'prolonged dry weather', a step away from the strictest water controls. Following a meeting on Monday after 12 consecutive days of temperatures above 30C, the group identified 13 areas in this stage:
- East Anglia
- West Midlands
- Devon
- Cornwall
- Isles of Scilly
- Lincolnshire
- Northamptonshire
- Hertfordshire
- London
- Wessex
- Thames
- Solent
- South Downs
These areas are under the administration of water companies including Affinity Water, SES Water and Wessex Water, potentially placing millions more people under hosepipe bans. Currently, temporary use bans cover 23 million customers in the UK.
Areas Currently Under Hosepipe Ban
Areas under a hosepipe ban include:
- Bedfordshire
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Essex
- Hertfordshire
- Surrey
- London
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Cambridgeshire
- Lincolnshire
- Northamptonshire
- Rutland
- Parts of Essex
- Kent
- Hampshire
- Isle of Wight
- Cambridge
Environment Agency data from July 2 to 15 shows an average of zero rainfall across its weather stations in central and southeastern England for 14 consecutive days. This is the longest unbroken period of no rainfall in southeast England since April 1997, when there was no rainfall for 15 days. In central England, the record was set in 1996 with a 14-day run without recorded rainfall.
Impact on Industries and Future Outlook
Helen Wakeham, Chair of the National Drought Group and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, said: "Dry weather depletes our water, while the hot conditions mean we use more of it. This is a difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use." She added: "All sectors are taking action, and we are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to make sure there is enough water for everyone this summer. We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture."
The sustained lack of rainfall is expected to continue, with high pressure dominating for at least the next five days. Only coastal areas, southeast England, and possibly northern Scotland could see some rain, with midweek showers possible before weather fronts move in from the northwest. Most rain is likely to fall over Northern Ireland and Scotland.
