The Isle of Wight has officially entered drought status after the Environment Agency confirmed conditions have deteriorated from ‘prolonged dry weather’.
The declaration marks an escalation from the Environment Agency’s previous assessment earlier this month, when the Isle of Wight was placed into the first stage of drought – known as prolonged dry weather – as previously reported by Island Echo on 10th July.
The Environment Agency has now confirmed that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have moved into drought itself, alongside 6 other areas across England, as conditions continue to worsen.
Richard O’Callaghan, Environmental Manager for the Environment Agency’s Solent and South Downs area, has said:
“Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are in drought. Sussex remains in a state of prolonged dry weather.
“Environmental pressures have only grown in response to high water demand and low rainfall, with a drought order expected shortly for the River Test.
“Water companies are expected to follow their drought plans and we will continue to balance the need for water against the needs of the environment.”
The Environment Agency says the decision follows continued hot weather, exceptionally low rainfall, reduced river flows and sustained high demand for water. July has so far seen just 7% of its average rainfall across England, falling to as little as 1% in parts of southern England.
Residents are being urged to use water wisely, with simple measures such as taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth and fixing leaking toilets helping to reduce demand.
