As drought spreads and hosepipe bans continue, let’s all do our bit to protect our water supplies this summer.
Five regions of England – Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester Merseyside and Cheshire, the East Midlands and West Midlands – are now officially in drought, with six more areas in prolonged dry weather. Following the driest six months to July since 1976, repeated heatwaves and below-average rainfall, the UK is facing a long, hot summer with growing pressure on water supplies. The National Drought Group has now classified the current situation as a “nationally significant incident” and is urging urgent action across all sectors.
At Waterwise, we’re calling on everyone – households, businesses and communities – to get involved and together we can make a big difference.
Is drought the new normal?
The current drought is not a one-off – it reflects a broader trend driven by climate change, increased water demand and unsustainable usage habits. According to the Environment Agency, unless we act, we could face a daily shortfall of 6 billion litres of water by 2055 – five billion for public use, and one billion for sectors like energy and food production.
Reservoir levels across England have now dropped to just under 68% on average – well below the usual 80% for this time of year – and in some areas river flows are at record lows for July. Lower flows not only affect public water supply but also harm wildlife and habitats.
With hosepipe bans now in place, our Waterwise CEO, Nicci Russell, reminds us that it’s a good thing:
“This is a critical moment. Our research shows people support taking action – 70% of the public backed hosepipe bans during past droughts, because they know it’s the least we can do to secure our future. This isn’t just about dry lawns – it’s about resilience, our environment, and the future of our water supply.”
Emma Hardy, MP, Minister for Water and Floods covering England, has made it clear: water companies should follow their drought plans early and not wait for rain that may never come. These drought plans include finding and fixing more leaks and moving water around the water company networks, as well as helping everyone to use less water and, where needed, introducing Temporary Use Bans (TUBs), known as hosepipe bans.
Recent data from Yorkshire Water shows the effectiveness of this approach – domestic demand has dropped by 10% since the hosepipe ban began, saving around 80 million litres a day.
Why summer spells trouble
Hot, dry summers lead to lower river flows and falling reservoir levels – but they also coincide with the time of year we use the most water. Garden sprinklers, filling paddling pools, and more frequent showers all add to the demand.
The Environment Agency estimates that just one hour of hosepipe use consumes 1,000 litres of water – equivalent to eight full bath tubs. In some areas, reservoir levels are already well below average, and without significant rainfall, drought status could spread across most of the country by September. Periods of dry weather and heatwaves also increase the risk of wildfires and reduce oxygen in rivers, which can be devastating for fish and other wildlife.
What you can do this summer
The Environment Agency is calling on the public to use less water at home, to ensure there is enough for your local environment this summer.
Small changes at home can have a big impact. Saving water helps reduce pressure on our water supplies, cuts your bills, and helps the environment.
In the garden
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Let your lawn go golden – lawns are resilient and bounce back after rain.
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Avoid using hosepipes or sprinklers – use a watering can if you need to water plants.
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Water at cooler times of day – early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
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Use mulch – like compost or bark to help soil retain moisture.
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Install a water butt – collect rainwater now to use when it’s dry.
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Check taps for leaks – a dripping tap can waste over 12,000 litres a year.
In the home
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Fit aerated showerheads – they reduce flow but maintain pressure.
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Shorten your shower – even one minute less saves around 12 litres.
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Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full.
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Check for a leaky loo – the biggest water waster in our homes!
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Use eco-modes to reduce water and energy use.
You can also use CCW’s postcode tool to check the water status in your area:
Find out if there’s enough water where you live.
Join the movement: A Water-Smart Summer
We’ve launched Come Rain or Shine: A Water-Smart Summer, a national campaign to help families and communities take practical steps to reduce water waste. With free downloadable resources, fun activities for children, and helpful advice, it’s designed to make water-saving easy, engaging and impactful.
Explore the campaign and get involved.
Become a Waterwise Member
To mark our 20th year, we’ve launched Individual Membership for just £20 per year. You’ll support vital campaigns and research – and get access to member-only content, discounts, and more.
Join us and help lead the way to a water-efficient UK!
Saving water isn’t just for heatwaves. It’s for life. Let’s all act now to protect our water for the future.
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Page last updated: 13th August 2025
