Environment & Climate
Drought declared across most of England and Wales as hosepipe bans expand
Provisional records show the driest July on record in England and Wales, prompting 11 water companies to restrict water use for about 30 million people.
The short version
- Drought conditions now cover nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales following record-breaking dry weather.
- Eleven water companies have imposed hosepipe bans impacting approximately 30 million residents to conserve dwindling supplies.
- Almost all river flows across England and Wales dropped below normal levels in July, with low levels expected to persist into the autumn.
Key facts
- Nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales have been placed under official drought conditions following their driest July on record.[BBC News]
- 11 UK water companies have announced hosepipe bans, affecting roughly 30 million people across parts of England and Wales.[BBC News]
- The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reported that almost all river flows in England and Wales were below normal, notably low, or exceptionally low during July.[BBC News]
- Northern England is currently categorized under prolonged dry weather, while Scotland monitors water scarcity and Northern Ireland has no official droughts declared.[BBC News]
- The UK government and water sector plan to construct nine new reservoirs in England by 2050, alongside one already under construction at Havant Thicket.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- The exact duration of low river flows and whether autumn rainfall will be sufficient to replenish reservoirs and groundwater reserves remain uncertain.[BBC News]
Sources
- More hosepipe bans in force as drought declared - is your area affected?BBC News - Science & Environment