England faces hosepipe bans and river flows at below normal to exceptionally low levels,
according to the Environment Agency. Farmers report struggling with early harvests and water shortages, while Wales has entered a prolonged dry weather status
amid low rainfall.
The UK is bracing for drought, with water restrictions already in place across England and urgent warnings from officials about the severity of the situation. The Environment Agency reported that 87% of river catchments in England are now at below normal to exceptionally low levels,
prompting hosepipe bans for millions of customers.
Wales Enters Drought Plan as Rainfall Plummets
In Wales, where just 5% of July rainfall has fallen, Natural Resources Wales has escalated its response to the crisis. The agency has moved the worst-affected regions in the north and south-east into prolonged dry weather status,
the first step in its drought plan. This designation reflects the acute water scarcity, with officials warning that the situation could worsen without significant rainfall.
Parts of the country, particularly in the east and south, have seen exceptionally low rainfall this spring and summer,
said Paul Tompkins, deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union. This could mean another difficult and expensive harvest after extreme weather impacts in both 2024 and 2025.
Farmers Struggle with Early Harvests and Water Shortages
Farmers across the UK are working around the clock
to manage crops that have matured earlier than usual, according to the National Farmers’ Union. The combination of prolonged dry weather and increased water demand has forced growers to prioritize irrigation for fruits, vegetables, and livestock, even as reservoirs dwindle.
Broader Implications for Water Management and Biodiversity
The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) reported that the largest permanent lagoon in southern Spain’s Donana national park has completely dried out for the second summer in a row due to prolonged drought and overexploitation of aquifers. This marks the first time in 50 years of data collection that the lagoon has dried consecutively, according to the CSIC. The lagoon’s drying coincides with Spain’s third heatwave of the summer, as reservoirs empty and water restrictions are imposed in parts of the country.
The Donana wetlands, home to endemic and threatened species like freshwater eels and turtles, face a critical threat. Most lagoons in the park are temporary, filling during the winter from aquifer water and drying in summer. However, some lagoons remain wet in summer, serving as vital refuges for migratory birds traveling from northern Europe. The CSIC noted that Donana has experienced the lowest precipitation levels in a decade over the past two years, alongside the highest average annual temperature ever recorded at 18.53°C (65.35°F).
Environmental pressures extend beyond drought. The lagoon’s ecosystem is surrounded by a network of greenhouses and a complex system of pipes that take water from illegally drilled wells for use by farmers growing red berries. Andalusia’s regional government plans an amnesty that would legalise additional irrigation around Donana, prompting an outcry from environmentalists.
The UK and Spain’s drought crises highlight broader European vulnerabilities. In England, the Environment Agency’s data and Wales’ drought plan reflect a regional response to dry conditions. Meanwhile, Spain’s Donana lagoon underscores the interconnected risks of climate change, overuse of natural resources, and policy decisions.
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