More than half of England will be declared in drought today, according to documents seen by the Telegraph ahead of a meeting between officials and the water industry today.
Eight of 14 areas in England will be declared in drought status: Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Kent and South London, Herts and North London, East Anglia, Thames, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, East Midlands.
Yorkshire and the West Midlands are expected to move into drought later in August.
The move is expected to trigger hosepipe bans by Thames and South West Water and could see further restrictions elsewhere.
A drought declaration could also see canals closed to boats, and extra measures brought in to protect wildlife, with measures potentially lasting into next year.
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Drought to be declared across half of England today
Emma Gatten - 53m ago
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More than half of England will be declared in drought today, according to documents seen by the Telegraph ahead of a meeting between officials and the water industry today.
Drought declared across half of England - Danny Lawson /PA
© Danny Lawson /PA
Drought declared across half of England - Danny Lawson /PA
Eight of 14 areas in England will be declared in drought status: Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Kent and South London, Herts and North London, East Anglia, Thames, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, East Midlands.
Yorkshire and the West Midlands are expected to move into drought later in August.
The move is expected to trigger hosepipe bans by Thames and South West Water and could see further restrictions elsewhere.