Continuing story · 3 reports

Drought across seven areas of England

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Where it stands

The Environment Agency declared drought across seven areas of England after exceptionally low July rainfall, and South West Water expanded its hosepipe ban across its supply area as reservoirs fell. By 27 August, rain had not ended the effects: a Warwickshire farm was spending about £1,500 a week on extra feed, while low canal levels disrupted boat bookings. The reports do not say that drought declarations have been lifted or drought declared over.

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Continuing storyDay 29

3 reports20 outlets33 sources3 videos

9 quiet days20 quiet days
  • No dated events yet
    1. Update 1Half of England in Drought After July Rain Plummets to 7% Average
    2. Update 2Nearly Two Million More Under Hosepipe Ban as Drought Grips England
    3. Update 355 Properties Flooded as Birmingham Storms Turn Drought Into Deluge

    The story so far

    1. Update 320 days later

      55 Properties Flooded as Birmingham Storms Turn Drought Into Deluge

      55 properties flooded by Perry Brook, homes with 10 inches of water, and a third day of disruption as storms hit after drought.

      Still open after this report

      • No verified rainfall totals beyond the initial burst and warning range have been established in the sources reviewed
      • The full cost to flooded households and businesses has not yet been counted

    2. Update 29 days later

      Nearly Two Million More Under Hosepipe Ban as Drought Grips England

      South West Water switched on restrictions just after midnight on 8 August, becoming the ninth company to act as drought spread to almost three-quarters of England.

      Still open after this report

      • No verified verbatim South West Water statement, reservoir storage percentage, or farm and canal detail is present in the supplied extracts.
      • No confirmed end date, exception list detail, or enforcement figures can be stated from the supplied extracts.

    3. Update 1

      Half of England in Drought After July Rain Plummets to 7% Average

      Seven areas declared after the driest July on record left rivers low, crops early and millions under hosepipe bans.

      Still open after this report

      • No confirmed picture in this file for Scotland or Northern Ireland water conditions.
      • No verified details on next-stage curbs for farmers and industry.

    History

    1. Opened1 report

    Who's involved

    People

    • Emma HardyBritish politician, from 2024, member of Parliament for Hull West and Hessle (born 1980)1 report

    Places

    • DevonDevon, UK2 reports
    • AlcesterAlcester, UK1 report
    • BirminghamBirmingham, UK1 report
    • ChasetownChasetown, Burntwood, UK1 report
    • CornwallCornwall, UK1 report
    • Crockford Bridge Pumpkin FarmNew Haw Rd, Weybridge, Addlestone KT15 2BU, UK1 report
    • DorsetDorset, UK1 report
    • EnglandEngland, UK1 report

    Every outlet we read on this story

    33 sources20 outlets3 videos3 wire copies