Paul Rogers

The Environment Agency has officially declared drought in seven areas of England, including the West Midlands, following exceptionally low rainfall and high temperatures. Severn Trent says it will not impose a hosepipe ban at present, but is closely monitoring conditions, particularly in Staffordshire, and urging customers to use water sparingly. The company highlights sprinklers and hosepipes as major sources of consumption and recommends practical conservation measures, while warning that climate change and repeated hot weather periods are putting pressure on rivers and water supplies.