Drought declared in West Midlands after record low rain and 'exceptionally' high temperatures
It's one of seven regions where a drought has been officially declared
The West Midlands is officially in drought, the Environment Agency has today declared (July 29).
It says a "flash drought" develops very quickly brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures.
Half of the country is in the same position, after with the agency has said has been a period of "low rain and exceptionally high temperatures ".
It says rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing, and millions of people are living under restrictions on water use nationwide.
Helen Wakeham, Director of Water at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.
“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and the economy.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”
Representatives from the National Drought Group - which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, Canal & River Trust, anglers and conservation experts – held a dedicated drought briefing yesterday (Tuesday 28th July) with Water Minister, Emma Hardy.
They reviewed impacts, preparedness and drought response actions across England, with water companies being told to prioritise fixing leaks.
There is also additional engagement with key groups, such as farmers and water companies, and cross-government work to secure supplies into the autumn.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal.
“We’re delivering long-term change in the water industry and driving record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs.
“We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.”
The current drought now means there have been three droughts in the past five years – 2022, 2025 and now 2026.
What is being done to help in the West Midlands?
The Environment Agency said in the West Midlands, it continues to run their River Severn Regulation system to ensure flows remain on the River Severn which provides 6 million people drinking water.
When flows are predicted to drop below a prescribed minimum flow at Bewdley gauging station, water is released from Llyn Clywedog, Lake Vyrnwy and, when required, the Shropshire Groundwater Scheme to maintain the minimum flow.
It's also responding to the impacts of low water levels on wildlife. On the River Teme and River Onny in Shropshire, fish rescue operations have been carried out where conditions have become unsuitable for fish to survive.
Members of the public can report fish in distress to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
The Environment Agency are also out inspecting abstraction licences to ensure no one is over abstracting.
It said it will also be checking that farmers are using water wisely.