Severe drought conditions have been officially declared across portions of southern England, including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and parts of Sussex, marking the first implementation of this highest-level drought classification since it was introduced following the 2012 drought event. The declaration follows months of exceptionally dry weather that has affected much of England and Wales, with both nations experiencing among their hottest summers on record.
The drought situation is affecting water supplies across a substantial portion of the United Kingdom. Approximately 30 million residents across England and Wales are subject to hosepipe bans, formally known as temporary use bans, which restrict the use of hosepipes for garden watering, vehicle washing, window cleaning, and pool filling. Eleven water companies have announced hosepipe bans, with ten operating in central, southern and eastern England and one serving Wales. Parts of north-east and north-west England remain in a less severe category called prolonged dry weather, while Northern Ireland currently has no official drought designation.
Reservoir levels have emerged as a primary factor in the severe drought declaration for south-west and south-east England. The Environment Agency reports that English reservoirs are averaging just over half full, considerably below the three-quarters full level typically expected at this time of year. Specific reservoirs including Ardingly in West Sussex and Wimbleball in Somerset have reached exceptionally low levels. River flows across most of England have also declined substantially, with the majority of monitored sites reporting below-normal, notably low, or exceptionally low conditions. Groundwater levels, which respond more slowly to weather changes but provide crucial reserves during extended dry periods, show particularly concerning trends in southern England, with more than half of monitored sites across the UK recording below-normal levels or lower.
Experts attribute the drought to multiple interconnected factors. The Met Office projects that the United Kingdom will experience drier summers on average as global temperatures rise, with warming directly increasing evaporation from soil, rivers and reservoirs. However, water infrastructure management also plays a role, with recent sector reviews noting historic underinvestment by water companies. Government and water company officials are pursuing long-term solutions, including plans for nine new reservoirs across England by 2050, alongside efforts to reduce water leaks and manage demand. The Environment Agency has cautioned that additional water conservation measures may be necessary while these infrastructure improvements are developed.
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