Half of England has officially been declared in drought following months of exceptionally dry weather, with the Environment Agency confirming that seven of its 14 operational areas have now moved from prolonged dry weather to drought status.
The declaration follows what is expected to be one of the driest Julys on record in England, with prolonged periods of low rainfall, high temperatures and increased water demand placing growing pressure on water resources, rivers and the natural environment.
The areas now in drought are:
- East Anglia
- Hertfordshire and North London
- Thames
- Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
- Devon and Cornwall
- West Midlands
- Wessex
Several other regions, including Kent and South London, Sussex, Cumbria and the East Midlands, remain in prolonged dry weather status and will continue to be closely monitored.
The Environment Agency said the declaration allows it to intensify its drought response, including increased environmental monitoring, tighter regulation of water abstraction and closer coordination with water companies, farmers and other sectors through the National Drought Group.
Helen Wakeham, Director of Water at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said:
“The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.
“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy.
“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.”
Representatives from the National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, Canal & River Trust, anglers and conservation experts – held a dedicated drought briefing on Tuesday 28th July with Water Minister, Emma Hardy.
They reviewed impacts, preparedness, and drought response actions across England, with water companies being told to prioritise fixing leaks.
There is also additional engagement with key groups, such as farmers and water companies, and cross-government work to secure supplies into the autumn.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
“Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal.
“We’re delivering long-term change in the water industry and driving record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs.
“We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.”
The government said it is continuing to work with regulators and the water industry to improve long-term resilience through increased investment in new water infrastructure, including reservoirs, water transfers and water recycling schemes. Ministers have also reiterated the need to reduce leakage and encourage greater water efficiency as climate change increases the frequency and severity of droughts.
The Environment Agency said it will continue to review conditions throughout the summer, with further drought declarations possible if dry weather persists. Forecast rainfall in the coming days is expected to provide only limited relief and is unlikely to reverse the underlying water resource deficit.
