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Following a prolonged period of hot, dry conditions, the East and West Midlands have officially been declared drought areas, joining the North West and Yorkshire.
The Environment Agency’s announcement comes after England experienced its driest start to a year since 1976, resulting in significantly reduced water levels in many rivers across the Midlands.
The drought declaration serves as a public indication that water companies may implement restrictions on water usage, if not already in effect. These measures can include hosepipe bans, which have already been introduced for millions of residents in Yorkshire.
While droughts are naturally influenced by weather patterns, the Environment Agency emphasizes that climate change and increasing water consumption are exacerbating the risk of water shortages.
The National Drought Group, comprised of the Environment Agency (EA), government representatives, the Met Office, water companies, and other stakeholders, is responsible for managing drought preparedness in England.
The group convened on Tuesday morning and announced an “escalated” response, noting the deteriorating conditions in the Midlands since early June.
Most of the remaining regions in England are currently classified as experiencing prolonged dry weather – the level below drought status – with the exception of certain areas in the South West, East, and South East.
No official droughts have been declared in Northern Ireland or Wales, although Mid and South Ceredigion in western Wales are classified as experiencing “developing drought.”
Scotland does not formally declare droughts but monitors “water scarcity.” Parts of eastern Scotland are currently experiencing “moderate” scarcity – the second-highest category – indicating a “clear” environmental impact.
England lacks a singular definition of drought, but it is generally understood to be caused by a prolonged period of limited rainfall, which subsequently impacts nature, agriculture, and water supplies.
England experienced its driest spring in over a century, followed by its warmest June on record.
Several regions experienced three consecutive heatwaves in June and July, with the intense heat further depleting soil moisture.
While some areas may be experiencing rainfall, it is unlikely to be sufficient to restore water levels to normal across the country.
Satellite imagery reveals the extent of the dry conditions, with much of England appearing significantly browner than usual.
This parched landscape can have significant implications for both natural ecosystems and agricultural activities.
Standhill Farm in Derbyshire has recorded its lowest rainfall levels in a quarter-century. Farmer Robert Thornhill has meticulously monitored precipitation and grass length on his dairy farm for the past 24 years.
“This has been, by far, the driest spring by a considerable margin,” states Mr. Thornhill. “The first quarter of this year was 50% drier than the next driest measurement I’ve recorded.”
“Reduced precipitation translates to reduced grass growth,” he adds. Currently, grass availability is so limited that he can only allow his herd of 250 cows to graze overnight.
During the day, they are being fed silage – fermented grass harvested from the farm last year. This silage would typically be reserved for winter feed, forcing him to deplete his reserves, but it allows the cows to seek shelter from the sun in a barn.
As a result, Mr. Thornhill reports that milk yield has decreased by nearly 10% – a significant financial setback.
The River Derwent in the East Midlands, which supplies water to three million people, has reached its lowest level ever recorded.
While this does not necessarily mean households will be without water, the low river levels are having serious environmental consequences.
“It’s absolutely concerning,” said Matt Gable of the EA in the East Midlands, noting that fish populations are already being negatively impacted.
“[Rivers] are such a vital component of the ecosystem, and clearly, an aquatic ecosystem cannot function without water,” he stated.
“The longer this continues, the more problematic it becomes, and we are starting to see these impacts increase as the effects of climate change become more pronounced.”
The EA declares droughts in England based on factors such as reservoir levels, river flows, soil dryness, and long-term weather forecasts.
England is in a more favorable position than during the severe drought of 1976, which followed a dry 1975. In contrast, this year was preceded by a wet 2024, resulting in healthier water levels at the outset.
However, according to the EA, in a “reasonable worst-case scenario” – where regions receive 80% of their long-term average rainfall – an additional three regions across central, eastern, and southern England could enter drought status by September.
Current long-term forecasts suggest rainfall levels will be roughly normal over the next few months.
The declaration of further droughts does not automatically trigger hosepipe bans, but they often follow.
Hosepipe bans are already in effect for millions of people in Yorkshire.
Bans in other regions, including parts of Kent, Sussex, and the Thames region, will be implemented in the latter half of the month, although these areas are not currently under drought status.
Without “substantial” rainfall, some water companies may need to implement further drought measures, including additional hosepipe bans, according to evidence presented to the National Drought Group.
The group emphasizes that the public can play a crucial role by reducing water consumption in homes and gardens, while water companies must take action to address leaks.
“It’s about collective responsibility, from individual citizens to water companies, working collaboratively to address this situation, given that we’ve experienced one of the driest starts to the year in the past 50 years,” stated Water Minister Emma Hardy.
The EA warned last month that England’s water supplies could face a shortfall of six billion liters per day by 2055 without significant intervention, driven by rising temperatures, population growth, and other factors.
Climate change is projected to result in drier summers on average, while more intense heatwaves will lead to increased water loss through evaporation.
Additional reporting by Jess Carr, Phil Leake and Muskeen Liddar
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