The Environment Agency (EA) convened a National Drought Group meeting on 5 June 2025, amid mounting concerns over England's water resources. With only 57% of the average rainfall in May and the driest spring since 1893, experts are bracing for a potentially challenging summer unless sustained rainfall returns.
The north-west has officially entered drought status, while four other regions – the north-east, Yorkshire, and the east and west Midlands – are experiencing prolonged dry weather. Despite recent rainfall in late May and early June helping to stabilise conditions, officials cautioned that more is needed to safeguard water supplies.
Helen Wakeham, EA Director of Water and chair of the National Drought Group, said: “It’s been the driest spring since 1893, and we need to be prepared for more summer droughts as our climate changes. The recent rainfall is having a positive effect, but it hasn’t been enough to stop a drought in the north-west and we must ensure we have enough water to last the entire summer.”
Reservoir levels currently stand at 77%, with the EA increasing compliance checks on water abstractors and ramping up river and groundwater monitoring. Fish rescues have already taken place on the Rivers Redlake and Tern in Shropshire, while navigation restrictions have been imposed on sections of the Leeds-Liverpool and Lancaster Canals.
Water companies reported stepped-up drought response efforts. United Utilities has increased its leak repair rate by 70%, aided by community efforts to report problems. While major suppliers have no immediate plans for hosepipe bans, they are under review. Youlgrave Waterworks, which supplies 500 homes in Derbyshire, has already introduced restrictions.
Dr Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, noted: “After the driest spring for more than a century across England, the start of June has brought some much-needed rainfall… the chance of a hot summer is higher than normal with an associated increased risk of heatwaves.”
Water Minister Emma Hardy added: “We face a water shortage in the next decade. That’s why the government is taking urgent steps to secure supplies into the future, as part of our Plan for Change.”
