A severe drought has been declared across parts of southern England, following a record-breaking summer that has left water resources under immense pressure.
The drought is affecting six counties: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex. The Environment Agency has warned Britons to use less water to preserve falling supplies.
Record heat and high demand
The declaration comes after a meeting of the National Drought Group, which reviewed water resources and drought conditions across England. Supplies have been heavily impacted by high demand after the country experienced its hottest summer on record.
Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy said: "Record-breaking summer heat and severe drought have put our water resources under immense pressure."
Action needed from water companies and public
Duffy added: "Recovery depends on both rainfall and how much water we use. We cannot change the weather, but water companies can act now."
"We expect them to follow their drought plans and take the steps needed to secure public water supplies. We are also asking everyone to use less water. That will leave more in our rivers and the environment, helping farmers and protecting wildlife and nature."
