Overview

• The Environment Agency declared drought in the West and East Midlands on July 15, joining northwest England and Yorkshire in formal drought status.
• Yorkshire Water’s hosepipe ban has been in effect since July 11 and South East Water will enforce its own restrictions from July 18 in Kent and Sussex.
• Thames Water announced a hosepipe ban for Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire beginning July 22, affecting more than 1 million customers.
• Under a low-rainfall forecast, the Environment Agency warns that up to eight regions could face official drought status by September.
• United Utilities, South West Water, Wessex Water and Severn Trent report sufficient reserves and have no immediate plans for usage restrictions despite record dry weather and high leakage rates.