Severe drought declared across six southern counties

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 13:29 · Archive

Severe drought has been declared in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex as water restrictions continue.

A severe drought has been declared in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex. The declaration follows the South East and South West experiencing their driest April to September period for more than a century, which has affected reservoir levels across those regions.

Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) imposed a Temporary Use Ban on August 3, asking customers to limit non-essential water use. Affinity Water began a similar ban in July, as did Anglian Water. By the start of October, ESW reported that water usage had fallen by seven per cent since the ban began, though reservoir levels remained below average at 46 per cent.

Severe drought, defined as a shortage that affects daily life and the environment in major ways with extensive lasting effects on farming, communities, the economy and nature, has prompted the government to declare the situation across the six counties. Water companies have been told to step up drought planning to protect public water supplies in affected areas.

ESW warned that warm weather expected in the coming week could put further pressure on supplies and the environment. The combination of the driest months on record and forecast temperature rises presents a challenging outlook for water management across the region.

Severe drought declared across six southern counties — Image: Brentwood Guardian

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How it is being reported

Severe drought declared across six counties as Essex water ban continuesSevere drought has been declared across various counties in the UK, as Essex continues to face a hosepipe ban.Brentwood Guardian · 15 Oct, 13:00
Severe drought declared across six counties as Essex water ban continuesSevere drought has been declared across various counties in the UK, as Essex continues to face a hosepipe ban.Echo (Basildon) · 15 Oct, 13:00
Severe drought declared across six counties as Essex water ban continuesSevere drought has been declared across various counties in the UK, as Essex continues to face a hosepipe ban.Colchester Gazette · 15 Oct, 13:00

In this story: Essex & Suffolk Water · Affinity Water · Anglian Water · Essex · Cornwall · Devon · Dorset · Somerset

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