A drought has been officially declared across the entirety of Wales, with half of England also facing acute water shortages, as prolonged dry conditions persist across the United Kingdom.

The declaration by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) comes as the nation experiences its driest July on record in almost 190 years, threatening water supplies and ecosystems.

Wales has officially declared a drought across its entire territory, following its driest July in nearly two centuries.

Widespread Water Scarcity Across UK

Officials have described the situation across half of England as an "exceptionally serious situation", according to reports, indicating a widespread crisis that extends beyond Welsh borders.

The move by NRW triggers specific measures designed to manage water resources, including potential restrictions on non-essential water use. It reflects the deteriorating environmental conditions after months of significantly reduced rainfall.

Impact on Rivers and Reservoirs

The persistent lack of rain has led to critically low river levels and depleted reservoir stores across both nations. Water companies in affected areas are now under increased pressure to safeguard public supply.

Hydrologists have monitored river flows and groundwater levels, noting a steady decline throughout the spring and early summer. This deficit has been exacerbated by unusually high temperatures in recent weeks, increasing evaporation rates.

dry riverbed wales

The declaration means that water abstractors, such as farmers and industrial users, may face limitations on how much water they can take from rivers and boreholes. Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the impact on aquatic wildlife and delicate habitats.

While specific areas affected in England have not been fully detailed, officials confirmed that around half of the country is experiencing conditions warranting serious concern. The focus now turns to collaborative efforts between water authorities, government bodies, and consumers to conserve water during this critical period.