Drought is tightening its grip on England
On 15 October 2026, Severe drought status was declared for parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex after the driest April to September in over a century depleted local reservoir levels - with further dry weather expected for the rest of October.
This summer was exceptionally hot and dry, with record temperatures and prolonged periods of low rainfall. These conditions have continued into autumn, placing significant pressure on water across the country. The usual seasonal rainfall has yet to arrive, and 82% of England remains in drought.
As a result, several reservoirs are at exceptionally low levels for this time of year. To recover in some areas, we need 120% of typical rainfall over the next six months. Without it, drought conditions will continue and could worsen.
Without sufficient autumn rainfall and continued intervention measures, there is an increasing risk to water supplies. Given the seriousness of the situation and the potential impact on essential water resources, severe drought status has now been declared in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex.
What is severe drought?
Severe drought is the highest level of drought that can be declared. It’s declared when our evidence shows drought is causing, or will soon cause, serious harm, and that emergency action is needed to protect people, water supplies, the environment, farming, infrastructure or other critical services.
What does a severe drought declaration mean?
Exceptional action is now needed to conserve water and protect public supplies.
Severe drought doesn't automatically trigger restrictions, and it isn't a civil emergency. But it is serious. It means government and other organisations step up their response together, acting where it matters most to reduce harm and support recovery. It gives everyone involved a shared, evidence-based understanding of how serious things are, so we can coordinate more effectively
What does severe drought mean for the public?
Severe drought doesn't automatically mean new restrictions. But in areas affected, your water company may introduce further water-saving measures to protect supply. This could include taking more water from the environment, limiting some business use, supply interruptions, or reducing mains pressure. Your water company will contact you directly if this affects you.
You can help protect water supplies too. Small changes at home and at work make a real difference: taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, using water carefully in the garden, using the eco-setting on dishwashers and washing machines, avoiding pre-rinsing dishes before loading the dishwasher, fitting a low-flow shower head, using a Cistern Displacement Device, filling washing machines to their recommended load, installing a water butt, and turning off taps when brushing teeth. These aren't token gestures. They cut the amount of water we need to take from rivers and groundwater, protecting supplies for people and leaving more for wildlife, wetlands and the natural systems we all depend on.
The choices we make about water, in drought and beyond, help protect England's rivers, wetlands and wildlife for the future.
Find out more on how to save water.
Why have only certain areas declared severe drought?
We've declared severe drought where public water supply is most at risk: around Ardingly in West Sussex and Wimbleball in Somerset. The severe drought declaration covers the homes and businesses served by these two reservoirs.
Check with your water company to find out if you're affected.
What is the Environment Agency doing to protect water supplies?
We are working closely with Defra and the affected water companies to protect water supplies during these exceptional circumstances. This includes an enhanced incident response, increased monitoring and reporting, supportive communications and continuing to regulate companies.
We're increasing our scrutiny of water companies to make sure they stick to their statutory drought plans. That means more monitoring, more checks, and faster processing of permit applications, so we can protect public water supplies while safeguarding the environment and local wildlife.
Given the exceptional circumstances, in close discussion with the Government, the Environment Agency is using its regulatory discretion to give priority to protecting public water supply in specified severe drought areas when exercising its relevant functions.
How does the Environment Agency support severe drought declaration?
Science underpins everything we do to manage water resources and prepare for climate change. It tells us what's happening now, flags emerging risks, and shapes how we plan ahead. Most importantly, it turns evidence into action.
Our scientists and hydrologists monitor rainfall, river flows, groundwater levels and reservoir storage across England every day. This evidence shows us how drought is developing and what it means for people, water supplies and the environment.
We work with water companies, government, farmers and environmental groups to agree practical steps: closer monitoring of vulnerable rivers and habitats, promoting water efficiency, and managing water resources carefully through dry periods.
We share this evidence with partners through the National Drought Group and regional drought groups, so we can respond to changing conditions in real time. It shapes decisions on drought status and wider government action, and helps us identify where wildlife and habitats are under the greatest pressure.
Science is not something that happens alongside decision-making; it absolutely underpins how we regulate, the advice we provide and the actions we take.
What happens next?
Until enough rain brings recovery, we will not hesitate to take the action needed to protect water supplies.
We continue to monitor conditions closely, working with partners and the government to reduce the impact of severe drought to communities and the environment.
https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2026/10/15/what-is-severe-drought/
seen at 14:50, 15 October in Environment Agency: For homes and habitats..