Car wash bans and low water pressure could hit millions as severe drought declared

Severe drought has been declared in several regions of southern England, affecting areas including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, and West Sussex. These regions collectively cover more than 4.5 million people. This marks the first time in England that the highest drought status has been officially declared. The alert followed below-average rainfall this autumn, compounded by minimal rain during the preceding spring and summer, leading to critically low water levels in key reservoirs in West Sussex and Somerset. Water companies in the affected areas have taken proactive steps to manage the situation. South East Water, which serves over two million customers, has deployed 92 repair crews across Sussex and Kent to address leaks and reduce water loss. Since April, the company has repaired more than 1,300 leaks, decreasing the number of active leaks in the region from 181 to 97. Additionally, South East Water has optimized water pressure and increased the number of leak-repair teams from seven to 16. Wessex Water, which operates in areas including Wimbleball, has implemented its first hosepipe ban in 50 years, which will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. The company has also increased leak repairs, sourced water from more reliable sources, and adjusted water pressure in certain communities to conserve supplies. According to Will Willoughby, director of water supply at Wessex Water, the demand for water reached record levels, exceeding 400 million liters per day for 48 consecutive days, marking one of the most challenging years for water management. The government convened a Cobra meeting to discuss emergency measures related to the water supply for millions of people. While widespread rationing has not yet been planned, water companies have been granted additional powers to extract more water from the environment, limit non-essential business use, and potentially reduce mains pressure. Three water firms, Southern Water, South East Water, and South West Water, have applied for a Non-Essential Use Ban, which would restrict water use by businesses such as car washes and private swimming pools. Local Resilience Forums, responsible for managing civil emergencies in affected regions, have been placed on standby. These forums could coordinate actions such as setting up bottled water stations in case of water shortages. They aim to identify vulnerable individuals who might require access to drinking water and ensure that essential water needs are met. The Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) emphasize the importance of conserving water and protecting public supplies. Residents are advised to use water efficiently, including taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using water-saving settings on household appliances. Authorities warn that exceptional measures are necessary to prevent further strain on water resources. The current drought follows the recent declaration of drought conditions in Yorkshire, meaning all of England is now experiencing drought conditions except for the North West and North East, which remain in prolonged dry weather status. The Met Office forecasts a wetter-than-average autumn and winter due to an anticipated strong El Niño climate event, which could lead to increased rainfall and potential flooding risks in the UK. Reservoirs in Ardingly, West Sussex, and Wimbleball, Somerset, are particularly affected, with Ardingly operating at just 19% capacity and Wimbleball at 16%. Both reservoirs are significantly below the typical 75% capacity expected at this time of year. The Environment Secretary, Dame Angela Eagle, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the current drought and highlighted the government's commitment to supporting water companies and ensuring public water security. Farmers have expressed concerns about the impact of the drought on agriculture, noting the challenges faced in harvesting crops and providing adequate water for livestock. A potential dry winter could affect crop production for the following year, adding to the difficulties faced by the farming community.