A drought has been declared in the West and East Midlands, joining the North West and Yorkshire after weeks of scorching weather.
The announcement by the Environment Agency today follows one of the driest starts of the year since 1976, leaving reservoirs cracked and dry.
Most of the rest of England is in a state of prolonged dry weather, including Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, East Anglia, and the Thames area.
After England saw 20% less rain than usual last month, three water companies have announced hosepipe bans so far.
Environmental officials said today: ‘Without further substantial rain, some water companies may need to implement further drought measures.’
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What is a drought?
Droughts are periods when there’s less rain over a few weeks and are part of the natural weather cycle.
Rain supplies water to the world, topping up rivers and reservoirs. Some of that water is removed through evaporation, with temperature and wind deciding just how thirsty the atmosphere is for water.
But droughts have become more intense and longer since the 1980s, almost everywhere in the world, because of climate change, according to a study last month. Even areas long known for being wet and soggy – like most of the UK – are becoming more arid.
The Environment Agency declares a drought based on reservoir levels, river flows and how dry the soil is.
The categorisation means the area may face crop failure, increased fire risk and local wildfire dying, the agency says.
Droughts can leave many people dehydrated, leading to an increase in disease and poorer mental health as people struggle to stay clean.
People with breathing conditions, such as asthma, also face risk as droughts can lead to worse air quality. Wildfires can cough up ash, charcoal and woody debris into the air.
Will there be any more hosepipe bans?
Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, told Metro that if the dry weather continues, ‘then the bans will extend into more regions and affect more people’.
She added: ‘It is understandable that people feel frustrated when told they cannot use water whilst bills are increasing and leaks are plentiful.
‘However, every drop of water that remains in the natural environment helps to keep rivers flowing and wildlife in a healthy state.’
More than 3billion litres of water were wasted every day in England and Wales between 2020 and 2023 due to leaky pipes, amounting to 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools a day.
When you turn the tap on, 19% of the treated water is lost to leaks before it even reaches your home, according to official figures.
Leaks happen as worn-out pipes expand and contract, an issue not helped by cold weather, tree roots or building works.
Environmental officials have also found that most water companies are not prepared for floods. Even last year – the 13th wettest year since 1836 – the firms weren’t prepared enough for a drought.
Critics say water companies have not maintained the nation’s already fragile water infrastructure, costing customers £396million a year.
Dr Neumann added that as companies continue to burn fossil fuels and pump out planet-warming gases, droughts will only get more common.
Photographer: Danny Lawson
Provider: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA Wire(Credits: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
‘We need to refocus our mindset to one where the preservation of water is our natural instinct, as water is not always as abundant and plentiful as it once was,’ she added.
Severn Trent, which supplies water to the Midlands, did not rule out a hosepipe ban but said the company has not introduced one in 30 years.
A spokesperson told Metro: ‘So, whilst we want to reassure our customers that we’re doing everything we can to keep the water flowing, we can’t escape how hot and dry it is, and how little rainfall we’ve had this year.
‘We experienced record levels of demand just last week and that’s why, as well as doing everything we can, we’re also asking our customers to be even more mindful of their water usage during this hot spell.’
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