UK Declares Drought Across Seven Regions with Hosepipe Bans

The Environment Agency declared a drought across seven regions of the United Kingdom, including London, East Anglia, the West Midlands, the Thames Valley, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and the areas of Devon, Cornwall, and Wessex. This follows two consecutive summers of hot, dry weather, which officials describe as an exceptionally serious situation with long-lasting impacts on the environment, wildlife, and the economy.

In response, water authorities including Thames Water, Anglian Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Cambridge Water, and Affinity Water implemented Temporary Use Bans. More than 20 million households are now subject to these hosepipe bans, and violators face fines of up to £1,000. While residential use is restricted, exemptions exist for medical or mobility needs and commercial purposes. Eligibility for Blue Badge holders varies by provider; Thames and South West Water offer automatic enrollment, while Southern Water conducts individual assessments.

To maintain gardens legally, the Environment Agency and Which? recommend using watering cans or irrigation systems with timers. Experts suggest utilizing grey water—recycled domestic wastewater from sinks and baths—but warn against using water containing bleach or sodium-based softeners, as these can damage soil structure and plant health.