Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly move into drought status after record dry spring
Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will move from Prolonged Dry Weather to Drought status following the warmest spring on record and as the region approaches its fourth heatwave of the year.
The change, which takes effect on Wednesday, July 29, has been announced by the Environment Agency and shared by South Devon MP Caroline Voaden, who urged residents to help conserve water and remain vigilant for signs of environmental harm.
The Environment Agency said the declaration reflects "an extended period of abnormally low rainfall" that is placing increasing pressure on rivers, wildlife and water supplies across the South West.
Officials said they had taken "early, decisive action" to declare drought status because of the environmental stress already being experienced and the growing pressure on both public and private water resources.
The agency stressed that it will continue to monitor water availability across the region, including supplies managed by South West Water, while keeping the overall situation under review.
Drought status is one stage within the Environment Agency's national drought management framework, which sets out escalating measures to respond to prolonged periods of dry weather. The move from prolonged dry weather to drought allows agencies and water companies to increase monitoring and coordinate actions aimed at protecting water resources and the environment.
The Environment Agency, alongside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is continuing to work with water companies and industry through the National Drought Group. The group, which reconvened on June 18 to assess risks, preparedness and environmental impacts, is due to meet again on August 10.
Residents are being encouraged to play their part by reducing water use where possible. Simple measures such as taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, using watering cans instead of hosepipes and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads can help reduce demand on water supplies.
People are also being asked to report environmental incidents, including dead fish, wildlife in distress, exceptionally low water levels, pollution, suspected illegal water abstraction or other environmental concerns to the Environment Agency.
The declaration comes after one of the driest and warmest springs on record, with continued hot, dry weather leaving rivers, reservoirs and groundwater under increasing pressure across much of the South West. While no restrictions on household water use have been announced as part of the drought declaration, officials say the situation will continue to be closely monitored in the weeks ahead.