Scotland – more areas move into water scarcity as prolonged dry weather continues
More parts of Scotland have moved into water scarcity following another week of exceptionally dry weather, with several areas now close to Significant Scarcity.
Rcord dry conditions trigger drought declaration for North Wales and Upper Severn
Widespread wildfires, record-low river flows and the mounting impacts of successive heatwaves on the environment have triggered the declaration of drought status in North Wales and the Upper Severn, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirmed yesterday.
Government rejects call in Lords drought report for water companies to be statutory consultees on all major planning decisions
The Government has rejected the call for water companies to be statutory consultees on all major planning decisions in the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee drought report Surviving drought: reclaim the rain’ published in May 2026.
Wessex Water reports strong performance in first year of AMP8
Wessex Water is reporting a strong performance in the first year of AMP8, according to its Annual Report and Accounts for financial year 2025-26 - but acknowledges more improvement is needed on leakage and pollution incidents.
National Drought Group steps up response after third heatwave as some areas move closer to drought status
The National Drought Group is stepping up its response after the third heatwave as parts of southern, central, and eastern England move closer to drought status.
Environment Agency confirms more areas in England now in Prolonged Dry Weather status
The Environment Agency has confirmed that more areas in England now in Prolonged Dry Weather status - all of East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire have now moved to this status, following continued dry conditions.
Planning Inspectorate launches public consultation on Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project
The Planning Inspectorate has launched a public consultation on Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project and is inviting people to register and have their say on the national infrastructure project.
House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee to explore how climate change will impact UK economy
On Wednesday this week in a live evidence session starting at 14.30pm on Wednesday 15 July 2026 the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee will explore how the net zero transition should be financed as it continues its inquiry into the Treasury’s role in climate and nature policy.
Met Office warns long-lasting UK marine heatwave likely to reach extreme levels this week
As the UK enters its third heatwave of the year with a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather, the Met Office is warning that a long-lasting UK marine heatwave is likely to reach extreme levels this week.
Water sector leaders launch major four-year campaign to help people across England and Wales use less water
Today sees the launch of a major four-year campaign - Let’s Save Water - backed by regulators and water companies to help everyone across England and Wales use less water through small, everyday changes.