‘Nationally Significant’ Water Crisis Puts England on Drought Warning

England’s water shortage has been classified as nationally significant after the country endured its driest first half of the year since 1976, according to the Environment Agency.

The agency reported that five of its fourteen operational regions are already in drought, while six more are experiencing prolonged dry spells, leaving water reserves depleted and crops damaged.

The National Drought Group, which comprises government officials, farming leaders, and representatives from water companies, has convened to assess the worsening situation. Their discussions come as much of England braces for a fourth heatwave this summer.

“We are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment,” said the EA’s Director of Water, Helen Wakeham.

Vice-President of the National Farmers Union Rachel Hallos said there was “growing concern about the months ahead” as farmers continued to face “extremely dry conditions”.

“Some farms are reporting a significant drop in yields, which is financially devastating for the farm business and could have impacts for the UK’s overall harvest,” Hallos said.

Reservoirs are under pressure, holding just 67.7 per cent of their capacity compared to the early August average of 80.5 per cent. The picture for rivers is equally troubling. Nearly half of all river flows, 49 per cent, are running below normal levels. In response, Yorkshire in northern England has already introduced a hosepipe ban.

This year’s conditions follow an arid spring. The Met Office confirmed that spring 2025 was the driest the country has experienced in over a century, a stark reminder of how rapidly water scarcity is becoming a pressing national issue.

“We face a growing water shortage in the next decade,” said Water Minister Emma Hardy, adding that the government planned to build new reservoirs to safeguard supplies.

Scientists warn that human-driven climate change is intensifying and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts.