Drought conditions are worsening across England, with the National Drought Group (NDG) urging water companies to increase efforts to manage water supplies. Areas in the West and East Midlands, along with Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, East Anglia, and Thames Valley, are now under drought status. With rainfall at just 80% of usual levels in June, reservoirs are at critical levels, with national storage at 75.6% and Yorkshire’s dropping to 53.8%. Multiple hosepipe bans are already in place, and further restrictions are expected if dry weather persists.
Water companies have been called to accelerate leak repairs and operational adjustments. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring water levels and collaborating with water providers to protect both communities and the environment. As wildfires, dry habitats, and threats to wildlife continue, authorities are preparing for an extended dry period, with the risk of more stringent water use measures ahead.
