The Environment Agency made the announcement on July 10 following England’s warmest recorded spring. The status reflects increasing environmental pressures and rising demand for water, particularly from sensitive sources like the River Test.
Richard O’Callaghan, environment planning and engagement manager at the Environment Agency, said: “The changing climate has seen a whiplash from an exceptionally wet start of the year to prolonged dry weather.
“The pressures on the environment will become heavier.
“The Environment Agency is positioning itself to get ahead of that.
“We are ready to tackle any incidents during this time and make sure that the needs of the environment are balanced against demands for more water from our most sensitive waterways.”
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight rely on the River Test, a rare chalk stream, for water supply. A prolonged dry weather status allows the Environment Agency to review water usage requests to protect the stream and the surrounding environment.
This declaration triggered a temporary use ban by Southern Water.
The prolonged dry conditions have also impacted Sussex.
The status will last six months.
The National Drought Group, which includes representatives from the Met Office, government, water companies, environmental groups, and the National Farmers’ Union, is closely monitoring the situation and will meet again on July 20.
The Environment Agency will consider any drought permit requests, while Defra and the Secretary of State will make decisions on drought order applications. The Environment Agency will provide technical advice to help balance environmental and public needs.
The organisation is also supporting the Water Efficiency Campaign, which launched this month to promote water-saving measures across England and Wales.
The campaign encourages people to take practical steps to reduce water use, such as installing low-flow showerheads, only running washing machines with full loads, and avoiding pre-rinsing dishes.
These actions, though small, can collectively make a significant difference in conserving limited water resources during periods of prolonged dry weather.
The declaration highlights the impact of climate variability and changing weather patterns on water supplies, underlining the need for continued environmental management and public cooperation.
The Environment Agency will continue to assess the situation and adjust its response to protect both communities and the natural environment throughout the duration of the dry period.
