Severe drought declared in six areas of England as public water supplies under threat
Summary
A severe drought has been declared in six areas of England, with some reservoirs at very low levels, threatening water supplies for homes and businesses. Authorities are taking urgent actions to manage water use, but some restrictions on non-essential business water use have not yet been approved.Key Facts
- Six areas in England (Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, West Sussex) are officially in severe drought.
- Reservoirs such as Ardingly and Wimbleball are critically low, only about 19% and 16% full, while normal levels should be around 75%.
- Water companies want to limit water use for businesses like golf clubs and car washes, but these non-essential bans have not been approved.
- The Environment Agency will increase monitoring of water levels and water quality due to risks from low water dilution.
- The drought is partly caused by climate change, leading to the driest April to September period in more than 100 years.
- Water companies are expected to follow drought plans strictly to protect public water supplies.
- The government asks everyone to use less water to support rivers, wildlife, and farming.
- Environment Secretary Angela Eagle emphasized the seriousness of the drought and the need for careful water use.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
