UK drought news – archive

News items added on 23/07/2018

Northern Ireland water restrictions

The first water restrictions for 20 years have come into effect in Northern Ireland.

Heatwave on the way

The Met Office warn of a UK heatwave in June and provide advice on how manage in the heat.

Households evacuated due to fires on Saddleworth Moor

A large fire on Saddleworth Moor, spreading rapidly due to prolonged dry hot period, has led to local households having to be temporarily evacuated.

June ‘heatwave’: UK experiences temperatures above 30C

Much of the UK is experiencing an extended period of hot dry weather.

News items added on 28/06/2018

Thaw leaves thousands without water in parts of UK

Burst water mains and leaks leave parts of Wales and south-east England temporarily without water.

Water levels at Bewl Water recover

Water levels at Bewl Water recover to 75% capacity following recent winter rainfall.

News items added on 22/11/2017

Southern Water seeks drought permit to top up Bewl Water

Southern Water has applied for a “precautionary” drought permit to pump water into the Bewl Water reservoir.

Bewl drought permit FAQs

Southern Water provides detailed information about the Bewl Water drought permit.

Water companies are monitoring unseasonably low reservoir levels in some parts of southern England

News items added on 18/10/2017

Hydrological Outlook for the UK – conditions broadly normal, although groundwater levels in the south east below average for time of year