A drought has been officially declared in North Wales following a period of record-breaking dry weather, impacting millions of people across the United Kingdom who are now subject to hosepipe bans. The region has experienced less than 2% of its expected July rainfall, resulting in critically low river levels and extensive dry land.
This declaration makes North Wales the first part of the UK to be placed under drought status in 2026, amid an unusually hot and dry summer. Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager at Natural Resources Wales, stated that while the drought status does not immediately signify water shortages for customers, it underscores the increasing strain on the environment. Thomas urged the public to conserve water and protect natural resources during this exceptionally dry spell.
England has similarly experienced minimal rainfall, receiving only 3% of its average for July, which has led to prolonged dry weather conditions across large parts of the country. Rainfall totals for the month have varied regionally, with some areas receiving as little as 9% of the long-term average, and others receiving none, according to the Met Office. This follows a historically hot June in the previous year, which also led to drought conditions in parts of the UK, including North West England and Yorkshire.
The Environment Agency has indicated that significant portions of southern, central, and eastern England are nearing official drought status. Six reservoirs are currently noted for having "notably low" levels, including Wimbleball in Somerset, Grafham in Cambridgeshire, and Hanningfield in Essex. Blagdon reservoir in Somerset is described as being "exceptionally low."
River levels are also a concern, with only 13% of rivers currently at normal levels for this time of year. Exceptionally low levels have been reported in the Avon (Hampshire), Cam, Derwent (Yorkshire), Swale, Tone, Wye, and Yare.
Millions of Londoners are now subject to a hosepipe ban implemented by Thames Water, the UK's largest water company. The ban, which affects over 10 million customers across London, the Thames Valley, and surrounding home counties, came into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday. The company had requested customers to adhere to the restrictions starting Tuesday, prior to the official commencement.
The restriction prohibits the use of hosepipes for non-essential activities, such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling paddling pools, or topping up hot tubs. Water usage has reportedly increased by 10% above normal levels in the Thames Valley and Home Counties, and 7% in London, leading to an additional daily demand of 100 million liters.
This heightened demand, coupled with periods of hot weather, contributes to increased water consumption for cooling and garden care, while farmers require more water for crop irrigation and industries need it to protect infrastructure. Hot temperatures can also physically stress underground water pipes, increasing the likelihood of bursts and leaks, and the lack of rainfall prevents adequate replenishment of reservoirs.
Several other water companies have also implemented or are urging water conservation measures. Bans are in place for Southern Water customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Cambridge Water, Affinity Water (covering Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London), and Anglian Water in the East of England. South East Water has also announced restrictions affecting 2.4 million customers across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, in addition to existing bans in Kent. Severn Trent, Essex and Suffolk Water, Wessex Water, and Portsmouth Water have also advised customers to use water wisely.