Drought declared across northwest of England

Blitz Bureau

DROUGHT has been declared across the northwest of England due to a drop in water supply, the Environment Agency has said.

Through March, April and May, Britain has basked in its sunniest spring on record, according to the Met Office weather forecaster, though the lack of rainfall has raised some concerns about conserving water supply, according to Reuters.

The Environment Agency (EA) said reservoir storage levels in northwest England – home to the picturesque Lake District as well as the cities of Manchester and Liverpool – were lower than during the same time in the 1984, 1995 and 2022 drought years.

Scientists say climate change is making droughts and drier summers more frequent.

The EA said it would ensure that water companies, including major northwest supplier United Utilities (UU.L), opens new tab, are ready to support customers to reduce demand if needed. “I’m doing everything in my power to hold United Utilities to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region,” Water Minister Emma Hardy said in a statement.

“Despite the rain over the weekend, levels remain low and we are encouraging people to be aware of the impacts of drought as we enter the summer period,” an Environment Agency spokeswoman said.

“With further unsettled periods and rainfall over the coming weeks we will continue to closely monitor the situation,” the spokesman added.

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