Parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been designated as experiencing 'prolonged dry weather' by the Environment Agency. This change in status, implemented on Friday, 10 July, comes after England recorded its warmest spring on record, leading to significant pressure on water resources in the region.
The River Test, a rare and sensitive chalk stream, is the primary water source for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The 'prolonged dry weather' classification empowers the Environment Agency to carefully assess any requests for water usage, prioritising the protection of this vital waterway and the delicate ecosystems it supports. This proactive measure also positions the agency to respond effectively to any environmental incidents arising from the high temperatures and their impact on water levels.
Richard O’Callaghan, Environment Planning & Engagement Manager at the Environment Agency, highlighted the rapid shift in weather patterns. He stated that the changing climate has seen a 'whiplash' from an exceptionally wet start to the year to the current prolonged dry spell. Mr O'Callaghan emphasised that environmental pressures are intensifying, and the agency is taking steps to pre-empt these challenges, ensuring a balance between environmental needs and demand for water from the most sensitive waterways.
This situation mirrors events in 2025, when a dry spring and early summer, coupled with high temperatures, similarly affected water resources in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Sussex. On that occasion, the Environment Agency also declared a state of prolonged dry weather, which lasted for six months.
The National Drought Group, comprising representatives from organisations including the Met Office, government bodies, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, and conservation experts, is actively monitoring the unfolding situation. The group is scheduled to convene next on 20 July to further review conditions. While the Environment Agency is responsible for deciding on drought permit requests, applications for drought orders are determined by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Secretary of State, with technical advice provided by the Environment Agency on balancing human and environmental needs.
In response to the growing concerns, the Environment Agency is championing the 'Let’s Save Water' campaign, which launched this month. This initiative, underpinned by scientific evidence, encourages the public to adopt simple water-saving habits. These include using low-flow showerheads, running washing machines only with recommended loads, and avoiding pre-rinsing dishes, all of which can collectively contribute to conserving precious water resources.