Overview

• Reservoir levels have fallen to 77% of capacity, well below the 93% average for late May.
• Drought has been declared in north-west England, and the North East, Yorkshire, and the East and West Midlands face persistent dry weather.
• The National Drought Group will meet monthly through the summer to monitor conditions and coordinate potential restrictions.
• The Environment Agency is conducting more compliance checks on water-intensive businesses and intensifying river and groundwater monitoring.
• Water companies are under pressure to accelerate leak repairs and conserve supplies, with Youlgrave Waterworks issuing the season’s first hosepipe ban.