Key facts
- Six areas of England are now in severe drought.
- Reservoir levels are critically low, threatening public water supplies.
- Ardingly reservoir is 19% full; Wimbleball reservoir is 16% full.
- Water companies want to ban non-essential business water use.
Six areas in England have been declared to be in severe drought, with critically low reservoir levels threatening public water supplies. Parts of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, and West Sussex are affected. Water companies South East Water, South West Water, and Southern Water have requested permission to extend restrictions on water use to businesses like golf clubs and commercial car washes, but Environment Secretary Angela Eagle has not yet approved these measures. Water minister Emma Hardy stated that the environment could suffer and that protecting public water supplies is the priority. Ardingly reservoir is at 19% capacity, and Wimbleball reservoir is at 16% capacity, significantly below the expected 75% for this time of year. The National Drought Group will implement daily monitoring of water levels and enhanced water quality checks.