Severe drought declared in six areas of England as public water supplies under threat

A severe drought has been officially declared across six areas of England, putting public water supplies under threat. The declaration comes as reservoirs in the south-east and south-west regions have dropped to critically low levels.

In response to the escalating crisis, water companies are calling for bans on non-essential water use by businesses. The affected regions currently encompass parts of Devon among the six designated areas.