WITH millions of households already facing hosepipe bans, environmental authorities have declared drought status in large parts of the UK.
Here is everything you need to know about what a drought actually means, who gets to decide it, and if restrictions apply.
A drought occurs when a prolonged period of low rainfall creates a shortage of water Credit: Getty
Warmer summers mean droughts are becoming more common Credit: Getty
What does drought actually mean in the UK?
In simple terms, a drought occurs when a prolonged period of low rainfall creates a severe shortage of water affecting public supplies, farming, or nature.
The last major drought declarations happened last year in August 2025, when parts of South East Wales and multiple regions in England were placed under drought status.
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Which criteria have to be met?
Official drought status can only be triggered by the UK’s regional environmental watchdogs.
These are the Environment Agency in England (advised by the National Drought Group), Natural Resources Wales in Wales, SEPA in Scotland, and NIEA in Northern Ireland.
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Unlike a heatwave – declared when an area tops a certain temperature threshold for three consecutive days – there is no single trigger to officially declare a drought.
Agencies instead track key indicators like rainfall totals compared to monthly averages, river flows, reservoir capacities, and the frequency of wildfires.
When a combination of these factors shows that the local environment is under severe stress, the watchdog officially moves an area from “prolonged dry weather” into “drought” status.
Does it mean any new rules or restrictions?
An official drought declaration by an environmental agency does not automatically trigger mandatory rules or turned-off taps for households.
But the public is urged to save water to take pressure off local water sources.
You are also advised to avoid open flames, BBQs, or campfires in dry countryside areas to prevent wildfires.
Water utility companies may introduce consumer restrictions like hosepipe bans based on local reservoir stocks and consumer demand.
Where has drought been declared?
Official drought status was first declared in North Wales and the Upper Severn region earlier this month, following record-breaking dry spells and weeks without significant rain.
The Welsh zones now in drought include Clwyd, Dee, North and South Gwynedd, Upper Severn, and Ynys Mon (Anglesey).
Parts of north Wales have received less than 2% of their expected July rainfall, with many locations seeing no significant rain since July 6.
In England, seven areas of central, eastern and southern England are now officially in drought following record low rain and high temperatures, the Environment Agency has said.
Devon and Cornwall
East Anglia
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Hertfordshire and the whole of London
Thames Valley
The West Midlands
Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire)
Multiple hosepipe bans are already in place, impacting 23million customers.
