England Facing Water Shortage as Heatwave Adds Pressure to Supply

A nationally significant water shortfall is gripping England, the government has warned, with experts saying it could last until mid-autumn.

- Helena Horton

The national drought group met yesterday to discuss actions to save water, and Steve Reed, the environment secretary, briefed the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, on the risks posed by the dry weather.

Water companies are preparing to take more drastic measures as supplies dwindle.

Southern Water, some of whose customers are already under a hosepipe ban, has applied for a non-essential use ban to stop businesses filling swimming pools or cleaning windows and vehicles using a hosepipe. It also applied for an emergency order to take water from a chalk stream after it drops below safe ecological levels.

The drought warning came as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat warnings across much of England. Parts of the UK are forecast to be hotter than Bali this week, with temperatures likely to hit the mid-30s today.

The agency said the heat could have a significant impact on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths among over-65s and people with health conditions.