Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought, with four more areas entering drought status on Monday, August 10. The National Drought Group warns conditions are worsening after continued dry weather at the start of August.
All regions of England are now experiencing pressure on water resources, with increasing impacts on agriculture, public supplies, navigation, and the environment, according to the Environment Agency.
No area remains in normal status
On Monday, four further areas moved into drought, while the North East and Yorkshire moved to the stage before drought, known as prolonged dry weather. This leaves no part of England in the normal status.
Greater Manchester and north west England are currently in the prolonged dry weather stage, with no water bans in effect. However, United Utilities has encouraged people to use water wisely.
Widespread impact
Along with areas announced last week, most of the country (71.3%) is now experiencing a flash drought, affecting 45 million people. More than 27 million people are living under restrictions on water use.
This follows England's driest July in 190 years, with just 5 per cent of expected rainfall this month to date. The Met Office has warned of more dry weather and an upcoming heatwave this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 36C.
Calls to save water
Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall. We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.”
He added: “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. Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers.”
Small steps to reduce water consumption, such as turning off taps when brushing teeth or fixing a leaking toilet, can add up to conserve dwindling supplies until the next period of sustained rainfall.
Government support
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “We know how challenging this summer has been, especially for our hard-working farmers who are at the sharp end of climate change and an increasing number of floods and droughts.”
She added: “We are stepping up our support including working to make it easier for farmers to build more on-site irrigation reservoirs. We are also delivering long-term change in the water industry to reduce leaks and deliver nine new reservoirs and water transfer schemes to secure supplies.”
Hardy said she expects water companies to take every available step to minimise leakage and support customers in using water wisely, and thanked people for following restrictions, which are an important tool to safeguard essential water supplies and protect the environment.
Areas now in drought
- East Anglia
- Hertfordshire and the whole of London
- Thames Valley
- Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
- Devon & Cornwall
- The West Midlands
- Wessex
- The East Midlands
- Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire
- Kent & East Sussex
- Solent & the South Downs
Areas in prolonged dry weather
- Cumbria & Lancashire
- Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Cheshire
- North East
- Yorkshire
