Parts of southern England have been classed as in severe drought after months of dry weather left reservoirs low. Around 30 million people in England and Wales are already covered by hosepipe bans.
01Summary
- 01Severe drought has been declared in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex.
- 02About 30 million people across parts of England and Wales are covered by hosepipe bans.
- 03The Environment Agency says south-east and south-west England had their driest April to September in more than 100 years.
- 04Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex is at 23% and Wimbleball Reservoir in Somerset is at 21%, both described as exceptionally low.
- 05So far, 11 UK water companies have announced hosepipe bans in 2026.
02Why it matters
The drought affects water supplies, farming and the natural environment, and it is already leading to restrictions on everyday water use. People in affected areas may have to stop using hosepipes for gardens, cars, windows and pools.
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