The Environment Agency has confirmed that all of the South West of England is now in drought following some of the driest conditions in nearly 90 years.

As Wales’ natural environment continues to endure the impacts of the extended period of dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that South East Wales and parts of Mid Wales have moved into drought status.

Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan has said that “a complete gear change is needed” for how water companies and all water users, from farmers to households, think about how they use water and understand its fundamental value.

Following the extended period of dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has today confirmed that the trigger thresholds have been met to move South West Wales into drought status from Friday 19 August.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that more support will be provided for farmers to help them deal with the impacts of some of the driest weather for decades.

Thames Water has today confirmed that the Temporary Use Ban (TUB) will come into effect across London and the Thames Valley at 00:01 BST, 24 August 2022.

Yorkshire Water has announced this morning that it will introduce a hosepipe ban from 26th August

Essex & Suffolk Water is appealing for customers specifically in Essex and London Boroughs to cut back on water use following official confirmation on Friday August 12 by the Environment Agency of drought status across the East Anglia and London.

South West Water is asking customers to reduce non-essential water usage across Cornwall and parts of North Devon through a Temporary Use Ban, otherwise known as a hosepipe ban, after the biggest drought since 1935 was officially declared in 8 areas across England last Friday.