Severe drought conditions have been officially declared across portions of southern England, marking the first implementation of this classification level since it was introduced following the 2012 drought event. The declaration covers parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex. The environmental authorities will increase their oversight of reservoir levels, river flows and water quality in these areas, along with conducting additional inspections on businesses extracting water from natural sources.
The drought declaration follows extended dry weather that has affected most of England and all of Wales. South-east and south-west England experienced their driest April to September period in more than a century, according to the Environment Agency. Approximately 30 million individuals across portions of England and Wales are now subject to hosepipe bans, which restrict water use for garden watering, vehicle washing and pool filling. A total of 11 UK water companies have announced hosepipe bans this year, with ten located across central, southern and eastern England and one in Wales.
Reservoir levels have been identified as a primary factor in the severe drought conditions. The Environment Agency notes that England’s reservoirs are currently at just over half capacity, whereas they would typically be expected to be approximately three-quarters full at this time of year. Multiple reservoirs, including Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex and Wimbleball Reservoir in Somerset, are at exceptionally low levels. River flows across most monitored locations in England have also fallen to below normal, notably low or exceptionally low classifications. Groundwater levels, which are particularly important for south-east England’s water supply, have been generally declining, with more than half of monitored sites recording below normal or lower readings.
Experts attribute the drought conditions to a combination of natural and human factors. Rising temperatures can accelerate moisture depletion from soil, rivers and reservoirs through increased evaporation. Additionally, water infrastructure challenges have been identified as a concern, with water companies facing criticism for historical underinvestment. While winter precipitation was above average, spring and summer conditions remained relatively dry across much of the UK, raising questions about water management effectiveness. The government and water companies are pursuing long-term solutions, including plans for nine new reservoirs across England by 2050.
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