The Environment Agency has sought to dispel rumours that dry, warm weather in June could lead to drought conditions in parts of the UK.

Agency Water Resources Adviser Victoria Williams said earlier this week that several reports in the press had exaggerated the risk of drought in the country, and that groundwater and waterway levels are all within a healthy range.

Williams said Agency modelling suggests the risk of drought this summer is no greater than in an average year, and added, "As we move into summer the overall water resources situation across England is looking generally healthy. This is not surprising given England has experienced the wettest six month period (Dec-May) on record."

The EA advisor did, however, say that responsible use of water is essential as ever, and that overuse carries environmental consequences and could, if weather does turn hot and dry for a prolonged period, also affect farming. Williams assured that the Agency will work with abstractors to manage the effects of scarcity if it becomes necessary to do so.