Severe drought declared in parts of England as water planning steps up
Parts of southern England have been declared in severe drought, prompting stronger planning to protect water supplies.
The UK government has declared severe drought in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex, directing water companies to intensify planning intended to protect customer supplies.
Officials say the South East and South West experienced their driest April-to-September period in more than a century, affecting reservoir levels. The declaration is intended to trigger earlier action before any disruption to household water supply.
The government says supplies should remain uninterrupted, but the measure signals that drought resilience has become more urgent across the affected regions. Water companies, regulators and local authorities will now need to translate the planning measures into practical steps, while households await guidance specific to their area.
The announcement does not change individual household restrictions by itself.