Derbyshire officially declared to be in drought conditions by Environment Agency amid heatwave

On Friday, August 12, the National Drought Group – made up of Government figures and water industry experts – confirmed that Derbyshire, along with the rest of the East Midlands, was facing a drought.

This summer has been the driest for 50 years, and droughts were declared for eight other areas across the country.

The Environment Agency said that the prolonged dry weather is impacting water resources in drought areas – but essential supplies of water are safe.

Defra and the Environment Agency have urged water companies to continue with their precautionary planning to protect essential supplies in the event of a dry Autumn.

In drought-affected areas, members of the public and businesses should be very mindful of the pressures on water resources and should use water wisely. The Government has also called on water companies to reduce leakage and fix leaking pipes as quickly as possible, as well as taking wider action alongside government policy.

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Water Minister Steve Double said: “We are currently experiencing a second heatwave after what was the driest July on record for parts of the country. Action is already being taken by the Government and other partners including the Environment Agency to manage the impacts.

“All water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe, and we have made it clear it is their duty to maintain those supplies.

“We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and take further action as needed.”