The National Drought Group is stepping up its response after the third heatwave as parts of southern, central, and eastern England move closer to drought status.

South East Water is introducing temporary restrictions on the use of hosepipes introduced across South East Water's supply areas in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire; customers in the company’s Kent supply area are already subject to temporary hosepipe restrictions.

As the UK experiences the warmest June temperatures on record, Anglian Water is urging customers to use less water wherever they can.

The National Drought Group has been told that just three months after the last drought officially ended, the parched conditions this spring have increased the risk of drought this summer.

South East Water has published its draft Drought Plan 2027–2032, which sets out the steps it would take during periods of drought or high demand to ensure it delivers a reliable drinking water supply for the essential needs of drinking, washing, cooking and cleaning.

Anglian Water is sounding a warning note about water resources heading into the summer in the light of the current hot weather.

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is warning that England’s water supply is under growing strain and that, without urgent action, the risk of drought in England threatens the very systems on which people and nature depend.

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is warning in a new report published today that the British way of life is under threat from heat, flooding and drought - and that the UK was built for a climate that no longer exists today.

Northumbrian Water is reporting that reservoir water storage across the North East is in a strong position thanks to careful management in 2025.

Four months of above average rainfall mean England’s water levels have now largely recovered from last year’s drought, the National Drought Group heard yesterday.