Environment Agency - Home

Drought

The Environment Agency's role is to protect the environment by minimising the impact of drought, while making sure there's enough water for people. We make sure that water companies have effective plans in place to maintain public water supplies during a drought without damaging the environment.

Current water status

This image shows a trickle irriation pipe with water running onto earth in a field

Parts of East Anglia are in drought status - see our weekly drought management brief.

Drought explained

This image shows cracked earth with some greenery and trees in the background

In a drought there is less water available for the environment and people.  Find out why droughts happen and see frequently asked questions about drought.

What we're doing

This image shows two Environment Agency staff rescuing fish from the river Lathkill

We've activated our drought plans and are working with water companies and other abstractors.

What you can do to help

This image shows someone using a watering can to water the garden

See advice on why you should save water in a drought and examples of how to conserve supplies.

Water companies

This image shows Llyn y Fan Fach reservoir with good level of water

Water companies supply the majority of people with their water. See how they plan for drought and what they're doing to reduce leakage.