The National Drought Group met on 15 July as drought conditions were officially declared in both the East and West Midlands, following a sharp deterioration since early June.
Prolonged dry weather is severely affecting water resources, prompting urgent calls for the public to use water wisely.
In the East Midlands, low rainfall and record-breaking June heat have driven water demand up while reducing reservoir levels. Farmers are facing growing pressure, with concerns over irrigation supplies and lower expected yields, especially for non-irrigated crops.
Water companies are being urged to implement drought plans, step up leak repairs, and prepare for further Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) if dry conditions persist. The public is also being asked to cut back on non-essential water use in homes and gardens.
The Environment Agency is actively monitoring rivers and supporting water users, including moving fish where habitats have dried. Across the region, wildlife and habitats have been impacted, with dried wetlands and disrupted breeding seasons already observed.
With more warm, dry weather forecast, the group will continue to coordinate action to protect water supplies, agriculture, and the environment.
Helen Wakeham, Environment Agency Director for Water and National Drought Group chair, said:??”This has been the driest start to the year since 1976, and we need to make sure our water supplies can sustain us through the summer.?
“Today I have asked all the partners who make up the national drought group to step up their operational response to manage the drought and use water wisely. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground actively monitoring river levels and working to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment.”
