Defra

Drought

Cracked and dried soil

Defra has policy responsibility for water resources in England. Water resources need to be managed effectively, given increasing pressure on water supply as a result of population increase, changing household usage and climate change. Despite our reputation as a rainy country, we may face a future with less rainfall and less certainty about when it will fall.

Latest news

General situation

Since June 2011, continuing dry conditions have affected large areas of England, particularly in the south and the east. The Environment Agency’s national and local teams lead on managing and monitoring drought and its effects locally. The current water situation in England, and extent of areas formally identified as in drought, are available on the Environment Agency’s website together with monthly water situation reports, drought prospect reports and latest weekly rainfall and river flows.

Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans)

Seven water companies (Anglian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water, Veolia Water Southeast and Veolia Water Central) introduced temporary use bans (commonly known as hosepipe bans) from 5 April 2012. This enables these companies to restrict certain uses of water to help them conserve their supplies. Further information is available on each company’s website.

Water companies facing an increased risk of drought are expected to:

  • reduce water losses and increase leakage detection;
  • engage and communicate with their customers to help them understand the current position and encourage them to use water wisely;
  • co-ordinate temporary restrictions on water use, such as hosepipe bans, where necessary;
  • talk to the Environment Agency about drought permits as early as possible.

Defra is also working with the agricultural and food sectors to help them adapt to climate change, improve irrigation technology, develop more water efficient crops, develop markets for drought-affected produce.

News releases

Key organisations

Defra – we work closely with the Environment Agency and the water companies to ensure that the public water supply is maintained and that the environment does not suffer unduly. The Department’s formal role when water is under stress is to deal with drought order applications made to the Secretary of State. Defra has policy responsibility for the legislation that governs water resources and which includes the law relating to temporary restrictions, drought permits and drought orders.

The Environment Agency –the statutory body with the duty to manage water resources in England and Wales. Its aim is to ensure that the management and future development of our water resources is carried out in a sustainable manner. Drought Permits are granted by the Environment Agency. The Agency keeps the water resource position under review.

Water Companies – Water companies have the power to impose temporary restrictions on certain uses of water (sometimes referred to as hosepipe bans). Such restrictions do not require the approval of the Government or the Environment Agency.

Natural England –the statutory body that provides advice on the natural environment and oversees delivery of the agri-environment programme. It ensures that Defra, other agencies, water companies and wildlife organisations are kept up to date about the impacts of drought on wildlife and the natural environment and any actions that can be taken to reduce these impacts.

Relevant legislation

Temporary Use Bans (commonly known as hosepipe bans):

Drought orders

In an escalating drought water companies may have to take additional steps by applying to the Environment Agency for a drought permit or to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a drought order.

Drought permits enable companies to take water from new sources, or to alter restrictions on existing abstractions. Drought orders can go further and restrict the non-essential use of water. The Drought Direction lists uses of water which can be banned under a drought order.

Permits and orders can only be made if the Environment Agency or Secretary of State is satisfied that the need exists by reason of an exceptional shortage of rain. They are made only for specified periods and may be renewed only for further limited periods.

Information on application procedures for both drought orders and drought permits is available, produced primarily for water undertakers:

Drought plans

Under the Water Act 2003 it is a statutory requirement for water companies to prepare, maintain and publish drought plans. These are published on the individual water companies’ websites.

Page last modified: 11 May 2012