Drought brings restrictions to Leeds Liverpool canal

Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, parts of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, and western Norfolk also remain in drought in the wake of the driest English spring on record.

Rivers with exceptionally low water levels include the River Dove in central England, the River Don in South Yorkshire and the Coln in the Thames Valley.

But while dry and warm conditions returned to most of England and Wales this week, much of the two countries have had normal levels of rain, receiving between 42% and 50% of the average monthly rainfall so far in July.

Eastern and north east England have received less rain, with around 38% of the monthly average rain falling so far.

Recent rainfall has helped farmers who have been able to abstract water as river flows increased in some areas.

And all water companies have confirmed there will be no need for hosepipe bans this summer.

Trevor Bishop, head of water resources at the Environment Agency, said: “The recent rain and unsettled weather has certainly helped the environment, farmers and water companies but some parts of the country are still in drought.”

“The Drought Prospects report, published by the Environment Agency this week, urges water companies, farmers and other businesses to look at ways to store water and reduce and share the amount they use.

“It’s the Environment Agency’s role to balance the water needs of people, businesses and the environment and it’s important that we all use water wisely at all times of the year, especially during dry periods.”