UK Drought and Water Supply

Drought in England and Wales is associated with exceptionally low rainfall, heat and falling river, reservoir and groundwater levels.

Reported effects include water-use restrictions, disrupted supplies, crop losses and ecological harm such as low river flows, fish deaths and damage to wetland habitats. The subject also encompasses longer-term pressures on water security and responses including leakage reduction, demand management, new storage and water transfers. Understanding these connected effects matters because water stress can persist beyond a dry spell and affect communities, food production and ecosystems.