Severe Drought Conditions Affecting Most of England
Nearly three-quarters of England is currently facing drought, with conditions deteriorating following a particularly dry start to August. The National Drought Group has alerted that every region is under pressure regarding water resources, leading to significant repercussions across agriculture, public water supplies, navigation, and environmental health.
The East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs have recently been classified as experiencing drought conditions. This announcement follows last week’s updates, bringing the total percentage of the country in drought to 71.3%. This rapid onset of drought is characterised by an unexpected combination of minimal rainfall and elevated temperatures, affecting approximately 45 million residents. Alarmingly, over 27 million individuals are now facing water usage restrictions.
Regions such as the North East and Yorkshire are experiencing prolonged dry weather, the stage preceding drought, with no areas currently classified as having normal conditions. These developments follow the driest July recorded in 190 years, alongside a mere 5% of anticipated rainfall this month so far. With forecasts suggesting more dry weather and possible heatwaves, temperatures in some areas are expected to soar into the mid-30s.
Impacts on Agriculture and Environment
According to Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, the worsening drought conditions are expected to persist until significant and consistent rainfall occurs. He emphasised that the ongoing hot and dry weather is adversely affecting farming, leading to lasting environmental impacts.
Grayling urged the public to conserve water, stating that every drop saved benefits local farmers, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems. Water Minister Emma Hardy has directed water companies to enhance their leak reduction efforts, as pipeline leaks tend to increase in hot weather when soils dry out.
Simple actions, such as turning off taps while brushing teeth or repairing leaking toilets, can collectively help in conserving precious water supplies until the next anticipated rainfall.
Government Response and Ongoing Initiatives
The National Drought Group continues to engage actively in enhanced incident response, monitoring, and communication across various sectors. The Government is also intensifying its drought response and exploring additional support mechanisms for the agricultural sector.
Emma Hardy acknowledged the challenges that this summer has posed, particularly for farmers who are directly affected by climate change and the increasing frequency of floods and droughts. She expressed that the government is committed to facilitating farmers in building more on-site irrigation reservoirs and implementing long-term changes within the water industry to address leakage issues and establish new reservoirs and water transfer systems for secure supplies.
As the drought persists, Hardy expects water companies to take every necessary measure to minimise leakage and assist customers in using water judiciously. She thanked the public for adhering to existing restrictions, which are crucial for safeguarding essential water supplies and protecting the environment.
Declining Water Levels and Wildlife Impact
With river, reservoir, and groundwater levels continuing to decline, rising water temperatures have resulted in numerous fish rescues. The ongoing hot and dry conditions have also heightened the risk of wildfires. The current drought situation marks the third occurrence in the past five years, following those in 2022 and 2025.
England is not alone in its struggle against drought, as mainland Europe also faces similar challenges, experiencing heatwaves and dry spells. Extremely low water levels in rivers such as the Rhine and Danube are disrupting energy generation, freight transportation, and river navigation.
In July, rainfall totals varied greatly, with south-east England receiving only 1% of its expected average, while north-west England fared slightly better at 26%. Certain areas, like Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and West Sussex, have gone 59 days without measurable rainfall.
Impact on Agriculture and Livestock
Farmers are reporting their earliest harvests in two decades, albeit with significantly reduced yields. Livestock farmers are beginning to utilise their winter forage supplies earlier than usual due to inadequate grass growth, which is anticipated to lead to decreased milk production.
Irrigation restrictions for farmers are escalating, with a total of 1,534 restrictions in place across East Anglia. Additionally, 302 abstractors in the region are required to halve their river water intake to protect the environment from exceptionally low flows. In the Wensum catchment area of Norfolk, 14 abstractors have completely ceased their activities due to low water levels.
Wildlife, particularly breeding birds, amphibians, and species such as white-clawed crayfish, are notably affected, as they have not fully recovered from previous droughts. River temperatures have reached concerning levels, with some rivers recording temperatures of up to 28°C, significantly above normal averages.
Community Initiatives and Recommendations
The Environment Agency has documented 134 incidents related to drought this year, nearing figures observed during past droughts in 2022 and 2025. Navigation restrictions have been implemented across 26 areas, with 19 restrictions in place due to water shortages caused by the heatwaves. Furthermore, eight water companies have enacted Temporary Use Bans (TUBs), affecting over 27 million customers.
Southern Water has sought two Drought Orders to maintain normal abstraction rates from the River Test, even during low flow periods, and to impose a ban on non-essential water usage, both of which are under consideration by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The National Drought Group has advised water companies to submit drought permits promptly to facilitate early reservoir refill efforts. Paul Tompkins, Deputy President of the National Farmers Union (NFU), expressed growing concern for farmers and growers as the forecast indicates no meaningful rain in the coming weeks.
Weather Outlook and Future Considerations
This summer, England has experienced 34 days with temperatures exceeding 30°C, including a stretch of 13 consecutive days in July. The dry conditions have strained water supplies, while increased temperatures have led to higher water demand. Although temperatures have cooled slightly, the presence of a high-pressure system raises concerns for more hot and dry weather in August.
Sarah Davies, Head of Environment and Energy at the Met Office, stated that July 2026 was notable for being one of the driest and sunniest months recorded in the UK, significantly intensifying pressure on water resources. Looking forward, forecasts for the remainder of August and into September suggest predominantly dry weather, with limited opportunities for sustained rainfall.
Encouraging Water Conservation Efforts
Water companies have reported that Temporary Use Bans have successfully reduced public demand for water by up to 9% in some areas. While hosepipe use is restricted, residents can still utilise watering cans and buckets for their gardens. Those with disabilities or health concerns can reach out to their local water company for tailored assistance regarding restrictions.
Initiatives by the National Drought Group include supporting the Let’s Save Water campaign, promoting the construction of on-farm irrigation reservoirs, and progressing towards mandatory water efficiency labelling. Additionally, Defra is collaborating with water companies on their Water Resource Management Plans to develop new reservoirs and desalination facilities to secure future water supplies.
According to the Environment Agency, dozens of fish rescues have been conducted this year, with significant efforts to maintain river flows and support the environment. The agency is also working with local fisheries and councils to mitigate low oxygen levels in water bodies and manage algae growth.
Conservation Tips for Residents
As the situation remains critical, residents are encouraged to adopt water-saving measures. For example, installing low-flow showerheads can significantly reduce water usage, while avoiding pre-rinsing dishes can cut wastage in the kitchen. Collecting rainwater for garden use and turning off taps during personal care routines are simple yet effective practices.
Small changes in individual behaviours can collectively make a substantial difference in conserving water resources. The need for collective action is more pressing than ever, as the future of water supplies hinges on sustainable usage and management practices.