Brief
England declares severe drought as reservoirs hit record lows
The Environment Agency and water companies are stepping up monitoring and restrictions after reservoirs in the South East and South West fell far below expected levels.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Severe drought has been declared in parts of England, officials said, as reservoirs in the South East and South West have recorded their driest April‑September period in more than a century. The declaration covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex, where water supplies are under "immense pressure," according to the Standard.
What happened
Dry conditions have left two major reservoirs at critically low levels. Ardingly in West Sussex, serving about 95,000 properties, is at 19% capacity, while Wimbleball in Somerset, supplying roughly 300,000 customers across Devon, Somerset and West Dorset, is only 16% full. The Environment Agency expected reservoirs to be around 75% full at this time of year.
What the reports add
The Standard notes that the South East and South West have experienced their driest April‑September stretch in over a hundred years, prompting the severe‑drought declaration. It also reports that smaller reservoirs in Devon and Cornwall are of concern, though specific levels are not given.
What was said
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said, "This level of drought is something we have not experienced for decades, so this Government is stepping up our support and planning. We are working closely with water companies to protect public supplies in the areas affected," as quoted by the Standard.
How it came about
Earlier this year, Felo News reported on climate‑driven pressures on UK agriculture, including a milk‑supply shortage linked to drought in England and Wales (Scottish dairy farms step in as England and Wales face milk shortage). The current drought declaration follows those broader climate impacts, highlighting the strain on water resources as well as food production.
Key facts
- Severe drought declared in parts of England covering six counties (standard.co.uk)
- Ardingly reservoir in West Sussex is at 19% capacity (standard.co.uk)
- Wimbleball reservoir in Somerset is at 16% capacity (standard.co.uk)
- Environment Agency expected reservoirs to be 75% full at this time of year (standard.co.uk)
- Dame Angela Eagle said the government is stepping up support and planning (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Parts of England in severe drought as water supplies ‘under immense pressure’”
