Drought has been announced in 17 more UK counties today, as drier than usual conditions over the past two years have led to low groundwater and river levels throughout Southern and Central England. The Environment Agency this morning announced that the present state of drought could last until Christmas and beyond.

Last month, hosepipe bans were introduced in the South East and areas of Eastern England as far north as Scarborough were declared to be in drought, the Environment Agency announced today that swathes of the South West and Central England are also officially affected.

This morning it was revealed that Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and much of Hampshire, and Wiltshire have entered drought.

In the run up to the current drought situation, parts of England received less than 60 per cent of average rainfall. Groundwater levels in East Anglia, which has been in official drought status since last spring, are lower than in 1976, the last major drought year.

Upon making its announcement this morning, the Environment Agency called on the public and businesses to use water wisely, urging people to curb non-essential water use, set up rainwater capture devices and report leaks immediately.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman announced this morning that, although the area officially in drought has increased dramatically, the UK remains on ‘level one’; of a three-level drought warning system. Under level one considerations, “non-essential use of water in domestic settings” is curtailed, as with the hosepipe ban in force in the South East. Under the second tier, businesses would be subject to restrictions.

Although this year is unlikely to become dry enough to mandate third-tier considerations, the Defra chief today warned that if the dry period continues into next year standpipes could be introduced. Nevertheless, as more areas enter drought status, water companies have been given license to introduce restrictions on use for households and businesses if necessary.

There are fears that the continued lack of rain and dry conditions may have a devastating effect on agriculture and wildlife in affected regions, particularly if the drought lasts into a third year or further, the ‘worst case scenario’ for which authorities are planning. EA spokesperson Trevor Bishop today said, "We are working with businesses, farmers and water companies to plan ahead to meet the challenges of a continued drought."

Arable farmers and horticulturists face a difficult summer; potato and salad producer s and soft fruit growers in particular have said conditions this year have been especially poor, with rapidly fluctuating weather patterns, including a cold snap at the start of spring following a mild winter, compounding problems caused by low rainfall.    

Last week, analysts reduced estimates for EU wheat production this year, following a cold snap across Europe and continued drought in wheat producing areas of Spain, France and the UK. Earlier this month, climate scientists warned that affected areas of the UK need 400mm of rain, twice the seasonal average, to lift them out of drought, which is “almost an impossible hope.” Furthermore, rain falling in large deluges on parched soils could result in run-off and flooding and so would be unhelpful. Instead, only a sustained drizzle moving into summer would benefit drought stricken regions.

Farming organisations have called on Defra and the Environment Agency to loosen regulations on building reservoirs and other forms of water storage to help farmers prepare for a future where less rainfall is ever more likely.  

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