Bedford Borough has been moved into drought status after the National Drought Group discussed how the country should respond to the driest summer in fifty years.
As part of the meeting the group, chaired by the Environment Agency and attended by senior decision makers at the government, water companies and key representative groups it eas decided parts of the country would be moved into drought status.
These included the whole of the East of England, and parts of South West, and Southern and Central England.
The drought status means that Anglia Water will follow a drought plan, which includes powers to restrict water use for consumers and businesses if necessary.
Will there be a hosepipe ban?
With the announcement of the drought status, there have been questions about how Anglian Water may restrict water usage.
Ciaran Nelson, from Anglian Water, said they “do not envisage needing a hosepipe ban in our region this summer.”
Read more: No plans for hosepipe ban in Bedford despite drought status
Water Minister Steve Double added that all water companies have reassured the government that essential supplies are safe.
“We are currently experiencing a second heatwave after what was the driest July on record for parts of the country,” added the minister.
“Action is already being taken by the Government and other partners including the Environment Agency to manage the impacts.
“All water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe, and we have made it clear it is their duty to maintain those supplies.
“We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and take further action as needed.”
