Environment Agency announces official drought in parts of England amid record low rainfall and high temperatures; over 20 million under hosepipe bans
Environment Agency

Environment Agency announces official drought in parts of England amid record low rainfall and high temperatures; over 20 million under hosepipe bans

The Environment Agency has declared a drought in over half of England due to record low rainfall and high temperatures, affecting more than 20 million people who are now under hosepipe bans aimed at conserving water resources.

bbc.co.uk bbc.co.uk30 July 2026 · 07:19 UTC
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The Environment Agency (EA) has officially declared a drought across more than half of England as the country grapples with record low rainfall and soaring temperatures. This declaration impacts over 20 million people, who are now subject to hosepipe bans designed to conserve precious water resources.1234

The EA's announcement highlights the severity of the situation, stating, "The announcement, by the Environment Agency, comes after recent record low rainfall and high temperatures." In response to the ongoing dry conditions, the agency is ramping up its efforts, which include increasing checks and implementing tighter controls on water extraction from rivers and underground supplies.

The hosepipe bans are a critical measure to mitigate the effects of the drought, as the agency emphasizes the need for conservation. The EA's proactive approach aims to manage the dwindling water resources effectively, ensuring that the impact of the drought is minimized for both residents and the environment.

As the situation develops, the EA continues to monitor conditions closely, urging the public to adhere to the restrictions and conserve water wherever possible.

Key Insight
“The Environment Agency is increasing its response to the dry weather, implementing tighter controls on water extraction from rivers and underground supplies. This comes as more than 20 million people face hosepipe bans aimed at conserving water during this critical period.”
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“A drought has officially been declared across more than half of England.”
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