Droughts have been declared in parts of south-west, south and central England and all of eastern England as high temperatures continue to fry the country.
The areas affected are:
• Devon and Cornwall• Solent and South Downs• Kent and South London• Herts and North London• East Anglia• Thames• Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire• East Midlands
The announcement means residents in these areas can expect to see restrictions on domestic and commercial water use.
Another water company imposes a ban on hoses – the most recent time
Although going into drought status does not automatically trigger action in itself, it does mean that the Environment Agency and water companies will implement the stages of pre-agreed plans.
These plans follow local factors such as rainfall, the amount of water left in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, as well as temperature forecasts and water demand, and result in temporary bans on use such as hose bans.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas have been urged to be “very aware” of the pressures on resources and told to use water wisely.
“We are currently experiencing a second heat wave after what was the driest July on record in parts of the country,” Water Minister Steve Double said.
“We are more prepared than ever for periods of dry weather, but will continue to closely monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and take further action as necessary.”
The Environment Agency has said that essential water supplies are safe and is urging water companies to continue with their precautionary planning.
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2:48 Drought declared in parts of England
The Amber Extreme Heat Warning has been extended
Many parts of the country are experiencing sweltering temperatures and little rain, with an amber extreme heat warning in place until Tuesday 16 August.
By Friday afternoon, temperatures will rise to 35C (95F) in southern parts of the UK, which will be warmer than the Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados.
Read more: Hose bans: what are the rules and what are the exemptions? What and where is the “exceptional” fire risk and how to avoid one?
An amber warning for extreme heat has also been in place for much of southern England and parts of east Wales.
Initially, it was supposed to end at 6pm on Sunday, but has since been extended until Tuesday 16 August.
However, the Met Office has issued a yellow storm warning for most of the UK on Monday, warning of a “small chance” that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly.
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0:49 Wildfires erupt as temperatures rise
What is a drought?
Although all droughts are caused by a period of low rainfall, there is no single definition, meaning each one is different.
Current dry conditions, following the driest July on record for some areas, combined with last month’s record heat wave, have depleted rivers, reservoirs and aquifers.
According to the Environment Agency, there have been five consecutive months of below-average rainfall in all geographical regions of England and above-average temperatures.
The nature, timing and effects that vary by location, and which sectors are affected such as public water supply, agriculture, the environment or industry are taken into account when declaring a drought for to an area
The National Drought Group, made up of senior decision-makers from the Environment Agency, government, water companies and key representative groups, met earlier on Friday to discuss the factors before announcing the state of drought.
Image: Cracks can be seen in the dry bed of Tittesworth Reservoir, Leek
There are four stages of drought:
• Prolonged dry weather stage (yellow) – where potential impacts include increased risk of environmental damage, such as risk to wildlife and plants. , localized wildfires and long-term impacts on habitat and wildlife• Severe drought stage (red): widespread long-term environmental damage, widespread wildfires, crop or plant failures, and shortages of forage and drinking water for to livestock, failure of public and private water supplies • Recovery drought stage (amber) – which depends on the type and severity of the previous drought
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The two most recent droughts were declared in 2018 and a more severe one in 2011.
Where have hose bans been enforced?
In an attempt to combat the depletion of water supplies, hose bans have already been implemented in some areas.
Southern Water has imposed a hose ban on customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and there are temporary restrictions on water use for South East Water customers in Kent and Sussex.
Similar rules announced by Welsh Water for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire are due to be introduced later this month.
On August 26, Yorkshire Water customers will also be banned from using a hose to water their gardens, clean their vehicles, fill their pools or clean their homes.
However, they will still be allowed to complete these activities with tap water from a bucket or watering can, or with non-tap water.
And Thames Water has indicated it will introduce a hose ban in the coming weeks as the hot, dry summer continues to take its toll.