Emma Hardy MP, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister, has issued a Direction to the Environment Agency under the Environment Act 1995 to prioritise the protection of public water supply in drought-stricken areas.
Photo: low water levels at Wimbleball Reservoir as at 4 October 2026
The Direction, which was issued on Thursday 15 October and came into effect immediately, was made under the powers in section 40 of the Act.
The Direction refers to the severe drought which has been declared in water resource zones around Wimbleball, Ardingly, Roadford and Colliford reservoirs. The purpose of the Direction is to prioritise the protection of public water supply in the specified areas to mitigate the risk of disruption to essential public water supplies.
The Environment Agency has been instructed to give priority to protecting public water supply when exercising its functions in the specified areas.
The Agency is directed to use where necessary Local Enforcement Positions in relation to temporary reductions in environmental releases and changes to abstraction constraints to preserve reservoir storage and reduce the likelihood of rota cuts or supply interruption.
The Agency is required to exercise its discretion to make decisions which are —
- proportionate and necessary:
- supported by appropriate evidence, enhanced monitoring, appropriate mitigation and restoration;
- reviewed frequently and revoked when severe drought status is lifted from the specified areas.
Defra have highlighted that the Direction does not affect the Agency’s statutory duties, including in relation to environmental protection, nor does it authorise unlawful activity or outcomes. The Agency has also been directed to work closely with Defra, the affected water companies and Local Resilience Forums.
The Agency must also provide information in writing when requested by Defra on:
- the measures authorised or supported under the Direction;
- the water retained or made available to the public water supply;
- the environmental impacts and mitigations introduced or proposed.
The Direction will be reviewed on a monthly basis and will expire when the status of ‘severe drought’ is lifted from all the specified areas.
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