Persistent Drought Leaves England Facing Severe Water Shortages

On the 12th, the UK Environment Agency stated that after experiencing the driest first half of the year since 1976, England is now in a state of severe water scarcity with "national significance."

According to AFP, citing the Environment Agency, five of the agency’s 14 operational areas in England are currently in drought, with six others experiencing prolonged dry conditions. In July, 49% of rivers in England recorded below-normal flow levels, with some sections closed or under restrictions. The average reservoir storage level across England is now 67.7%, lower than the 80.5% average for the first week of August and the 75.6% average in July. Data from the UK Met Office shows that England has just endured its driest spring in over 100 years, while some regions are bracing for a fourth heatwave this summer.

The National Drought Group, composed of government officials, agricultural representatives, and water company executives, convened a meeting in response. Rachel Hallos, Vice President of the National Farmers' Union, said farmers continue to face extreme drought conditions, with "some farms reporting significant drops in crop yields, devastating financial impacts, and potential threats to overall harvests." She urged increased investment in water infrastructure and a more effective planning system to "avoid extreme swings from drought to floods and secure water supplies for agriculture."

Helen Wakeham, the Environment Agency’s water director, called on the public to conserve water. Yorkshire Water in northern England reported that measures such as hosepipe bans have reduced daily water usage by around 80 million liters.

The Environment Agency’s National Water Resources Framework warns that without urgent action to ensure water sustainability, England’s public water supply could face a shortfall of 5 billion liters per day by 2055.