Story perspectives

Half of England Declared Drought, 23 Million Face Water Bans

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Environment Agency declared half of England in drought, covering seven regions, after July recorded only 7 % of average rainfall (1 % in the south) and three heatwaves with 12 days above 30 °C.
Water Minister Emma Hardy ordered water companies to accelerate leak repairs and implement drought response plans.
Seven water firms imposed temporary use bans on about 23 million customers—roughly 40 % of the population—and added more than 1,500 abstraction licence restrictions.

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Story summary

The Environment Agency declared half of England in drought, covering seven regions, after July recorded only 7 % of average rainfall (1 % in the south) and three heatwaves with 12 days above 30 °C.
Water Minister Emma Hardy ordered water companies to accelerate leak repairs and implement drought response plans.
Seven water firms imposed temporary use bans on about 23 million customers—roughly 40 % of the population—and added more than 1,500 abstraction licence restrictions.