England’s National Drought Group will now meet weekly as drought conditions continue to intensify, despite recent rainfall.
The group which includes the Met Office, the government, regulators, water companies, farmers and environmental organisations, is stepping up its response to falling water levels and wildfire risks.
Currently 71.3% of England is in drought with rivers, reservoirs and groundwater supplies under pressure following the driest July in 190 years and five widespread heatwaves.
Reservoir levels have fallen to 62.6%, while river flows remain below those recorded during the 2022 ‘flash drought’. The Environment Agency has recorded 226 drought-related incidents including algal blooms, low river flows and fish deaths.
Nine water companies have introduced restrictions, affecting around 29 million customers.
The government has also announced a £65 million package for farmers, including support for new reservoirs, while the Environment Agency is seeking a Drought Order to reduce water abstraction from the River Severn.
