England has experienced the driest March, April, and May in over a century, the lowest rainfall since 1893. The Environment Agency (EA) convened a meeting of the National Drought Group on June 5, 2025, to address the ongoing dry conditions, discuss measures being taken, and plan for the summer.
Drought Conditions in England
Spring 2025 has been particularly dry, with rainfall in May reaching only 57% of the long-term average. The last few months have been the driest since the reign of Queen Victoria. While recent rainfall at the end of May and beginning of June has provided some relief, the dry conditions continue to impact many parts of England, including the north-west, where drought has already been declared. Other areas such as the north-east, Yorkshire, and the Midlands are also experiencing prolonged dry spells.
Measures to Conserve Water
The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation, stepping up its operational response to ensure enough water remains available throughout the summer. They are increasing checks on businesses that extract water, such as manufacturers, and are keeping a closer watch on river and groundwater levels.
One of the major strategies being employed by water companies is enhancing communication with customers and speeding up the process of fixing leaks. In fact, United Utilities in the north-west has increased its leak repair rate by 70% in recent weeks after the community played an active role in identifying and reporting leaks during the dry period. Youlgrave Waterworks, a private firm serving 500 homes in Derbyshire, introduced a hosepipe ban at the beginning of June. While most major water companies are not currently implementing hosepipe bans, they continue to monitor the situation closely.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Helen Wakeham, EA Director of Water and chair of the National Drought Group, emphasized the importance of planning for future droughts as the climate continues to change. She noted that although the recent rain is helping, it is not enough to avoid a drought in the north-west, and more summer rainfall will be needed to secure water supplies for the entire season.
Water Minister Emma Hardy spoke about the government’s strategy to address water shortages, which includes securing private investment for new infrastructure, such as nine new reservoirs, and reducing water leakage by 17% in the next five years.
Dr. Will Lang, the Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, also provided a weather forecast, predicting that June will continue to experience a mix of rain and dry spells. However, conditions are expected to become drier, especially in southern England, from mid-June onwards. There are also increased chances of a hot summer, which could lead to more heatwaves and associated environmental challenges.
Environmental and Agricultural Impacts
The prolonged dry weather is already having visible effects on the environment. Low river levels and dry soil are affecting fish populations and wildlife. Some rivers have seen fish rescues, and navigation restrictions have been implemented on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and Lancaster Canal due to low water levels. Farmers are worried about crop yields, with the lack of rainfall impacting the quality of spring crops and the growth of grass for animal feed.
The EA is also urging farmers to explore water-saving strategies and is encouraging the public to report any environmental incidents they may notice. Anglers are also being asked to report any signs of harm to the environment.
England is facing one of the driest years in over a century, with long-term water shortages threatening both the environment and agriculture. However, the government, water companies, and agricultural groups are working together to manage water resources and ensure that there is enough water to get through the summer. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, further action and planning will be necessary to avoid long-term drought conditions and to preserve this essential resource for future generations.
