Understand
Government urges public to save water to prevent severe drought becoming the new normal
Overview
Water and flooding minister Emma Hardy has urged MPs and the public to use water wisely following the declaration of severe drought conditions across parts of southern England after months of low rainfall.
Key points
- The government is warning that action is needed to prevent severe drought conditions from becoming the new normal.
- Water and flooding minister Emma Hardy stated that current drought conditions have not been experienced for decades.
- Severe drought was declared in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, and West Sussex following months of low rainfall.
- The Environment Agency announced the severe drought measures on Thursday.