Drought Declared a “Nationally Significant Incident” as Food Supply Comes Under Pressure

England is facing a growing crisis. Authorities have officially declared the current water shortfall a “nationally significant incident”, as persistent drought conditions threaten farming, river ecosystems, and the food supply throughout the country.

Five regions—Yorkshire; Cumbria and Lancashire; Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire; the East Midlands; and the West Midlands—are now officially in drought. An additional six regions, including the North East, East Anglia, and Thames, remain in a prolonged dry spell.

July wrapped up as the fifth warmest on record, and despite occasional rainfall, it was the sixth consecutive month of below-average rainfall—just 89% of the long-term average for England. Meanwhile, reservoir levels have dropped to an average of 67.7% capacity, down from the usual 80.5% in early August.

Rivers Running Low, Navigation Restricted

Water levels in many rivers remain critically low. Nearly half of England’s rivers are witnessing below-normal or exceptionally low flows. In July, the rivers Wye and Ely Ouse hit their lowest recorded flows.

Several waterways across the Leeds & Liverpool, Trent & Mersey, Peak Forest, and Grand Union Canal networks are now experiencing navigation restrictions or closures.

Farmers Sound the Alarm

The NFU has cautioned that water scarcity is now impacting the harvest.

Some farms report significant yield drops, placing serious financial strain on operations and potentially threatening national food production.

Coordinated Efforts and Public Action

The National Drought Group—which includes the Environment Agency, the Met Office, water firms, the NFU and more—has convened to coordinate response efforts.

Authorities have commended the public for helping reduce water usage, with Yorkshire Water reporting a 10% drop in domestic demand, saving up to 80 million litres per day—the equivalent of 32 Olympic swimming pools.

Infrastructure Investment Underway

Ministers are urging water companies to stick to their drought plans. Water Minister Emma Hardy warned that she would “hold them to account” if they fall short.

The broader plan includes £104 billion in private investment to build nine new reservoirs and improve water infrastructure nationwide.