Drought conditions have been officially declared in Derbyshire and East Midlands, as conditions worsen.

The East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Kent & East Sussex, and Solent & the South Downs became the latest to move into drought status on Monday (August 10).

Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August.

The National Drought Group has warned all regions of the country are experiencing pressure on their water resources - with increasing impacts across agriculture, public supplies, navigation, and the environment.

Low water levels reveal the reservoir bed of Howden Reservoir on August 10 in Bamford, as drought declared in Derbyshire. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Low water levels reveal the reservoir bed of Howden Reservoir on August 10 in Bamford, as drought declared in Derbyshire. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Along with the areas announced last week, most of the country (71.3%) is now experiencing a flash drought – which develops very quickly brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures. This takes the total to 45 million people in a drought area. Over 27 million people are now living under restrictions on water use.

The North East and Yorkshire have moved to prolonged dry weather – the stage before drought – with nowhere now deemed in normal status.

The changes follow the driest July in 190 years and just 5% of expected rainfall this month to date. There are warnings of more dry weather and another heatwave on the way, with temperatures tipped to reach the mid-30s in some places.

Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.

“We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.

“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last. Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers.”

Water Minister Emma Hardy has told water companies to do more to cut leaks, which increase in the hot weather as pipes move in dry soils.

Small steps to reduce water consumption – such as turning off taps when brushing teeth or fixing a leaking toilet – can also really add up to conserve dwindling supplies until the next period of sustained rainfall.