Drought in the UK

What is a drought?

A drought means a prolonged period of shortages in the water supply, they can last for months or even years. It can happen after an unusually low period of rainfall, for an extended period of time.

Without normal levels of rainfall, reserve water levels start to fall and plants and crops can die. If the dry period continues, it can become a drought.

In the UK, a government body decides when we are in drought conditions. They then work together with water companies to reduce the impact of drought on people in affected areas.

Is the UK experiencing a drought?

A drought is a recurring feature of the UK climate according to the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, with recent water shortages occurring in 1995 to 97, 2010 to 12, 2018 to 19 and most recently, 2022.  

There can be many reasons a drought is declared. If you think an area of the UK is experiencing drought it's best to check with the local authority or Government body for the location. If a drought has been declared restrictions on water use may be in place.

The government bodies that decide when drought conditions are met for each country in the UK, are:

England Environment Agency (EA)

Wales Natural Resources Wales

Scotland SEPA

Northern Ireland NIEA  

• Better understand drought and its effects on us in the UK

How to prepare for a drought and water shortage

Water is a precious resource – it sustains life. While the EA is working with water companies on how to prepare for a drought and water shortage on a national level, we can all do our bit to help conserve water. Cutting back could even help to bring down our bills.

Saving water indoors

• Make sure your home is leak-free. Take a reading of your water metre

• Wait 30 minutes without using any water and then take a second reading. If the reading changes – you have a leak

• Repair dripping faucets by changing washers – one drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons per year. Don’t pour water down the drain if there’s another use for it, like watering plants.

Saving water in the bathroom:

• Take shorter showers and cut out baths

• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low flow version

• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for plants

• Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or washing your face

Saving water in the kitchen:

• Only use dishwashers when they’re full. Use the ‘light’ cycle and try not to rinse plates beforehand

• Don’t waste water while waiting for it to become hot or cold – capture it for other uses, like watering plants

• Use washing machines when they’re full, or set the water level for the size of your load

Saving water outside

• There’s good evidence that grassy lawns grow back when it rains. So try to live with your brown lawn for now. Shrubs and trees are also a lot more water-tolerant than we think

• Consider using a commercial car wash which recycles water instead of washing your own car

• Get a water butt. When it does rain, you’ll have a supply especially for your garden and car

• Don’t use ‘high quality’ tap water. Follow water conservation and water shortage rules in effect in your area

Staying safe in a drought

A drought could have an impact on your life and your loved ones in different ways.

You maybe asked to limit your water use to better conserve the water supply for an extended period of time. It’s essential this is done in a safe way to ensure it doesn’t impact your health or the health of others.

Here’s the UK government’s advice about staying safe in a drought.

• Stay informed. Be aware of any restrictions in place in your area like a hosepipe ban and make sure you follow the guidance. It’s also important to stay in close contact with your water company, so you are aware of any changes to your supply
• Maintain hygiene. It’s important that you continue to wash hands and keep good levels of hygiene even during a drought, to avoid the spread of infectious diseases.
• Stay hydrated. Droughts are common during hot weather and it’s important to make sure you are drinking water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Look after your mental heath. A drought can be a worrying and stressful time - many people rely on water for their livelihoods and jobs as well as personal supply. It’s important to look after your mental health.
• Reduce respiratory problems. Drought conditions can increase the amount of dust in the environment, which can trigger respiratory problems. Check air quality updates and carry an inhaler, if you use one.