MORE than half of England has declared drought, as dry weather takes a toll on the country’s water supplies.
Seven regions are now in drought conditions, with another six experiencing “prolonged dry weather“.
Drought has been declared in half of England from today as a result of dry conditions Credit: Getty
They have been declared across the east, central and south of England, as Brits enter the fourth heatwave of the year.
The announcement comes after six regions in North Wales and the Upper Severn entered official drought status last week, becoming the first parts of the UK to do so.
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According to the Environment Agency, England is currently experiencing a “flash drought” – a drought that develops very quickly and is brought on by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures.
Weather conditions, as a result, have decimated England’s water supplies, with rivers running low and wildfire risks increasing.
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Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency, and chair of the National Drought Group explained: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.”
As of today, the seven areas in drought include East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Devon & Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex – covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire.
Kent & East Sussex, Cumbria & Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Cheshire, the East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northampton, and the rest of Solent & the South Downs are now in “prolonged dry weather”, a stage below drought.
According to the Environment Agency, droughts frequently cause crop failure, which can lead to food shortages and price increases.
Dry grass caused by drought can also increase the risk of wildfires, which can destroy homes and businesses if they are not contained properly.
Water minister, Emma Hardy, said: “Droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal.”
“We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.”
To reduce water usage, seven water companies have enforced hosepipe bans in the last month, leaving up to 40 per cent of the country subject to water restrictions.
For 23 million Brits, using a hosepipe, sprinkler, or pressure washer without an approved exemption or loophole could lead to a £1,000 fine.
Now, just Yorkshire and the North East remain in normal water status, with the situation currently under close review.
