People across Swindon and Wiltshire are being urged to conserve water as drought conditions continue to worsen across England.
Both areas are officially in drought, but restrictions differ depending on where people live and which water company supplies their home.
Swindon is predominantly supplied by Thames Water, which has introduced a hosepipe ban. Wessex Water, which supplies large parts of Wiltshire, has not imposed a ban and has not had one for around 50 years.
The Environment Agency said almost three-quarters of England, around 71.3%, is now in drought following exceptionally dry and hot weather.
Around 45 million people are living in drought areas, with more than 27 million people nationally now subject to restrictions on water use.
Matt Akers, of the Environment Agency’s Wessex area, said: “More parts of England have moved into drought, facing the same pressures we are feeling in the West Country.
“Water companies have drought plans and we are holding them to the steps within them to secure the public supply.
“But Wessex Water reports that demand is up more than 30 per cent so I want to encourage everyone to use water wisely. Using less water at home means more remains in the environment.”
The Environment Agency’s Wessex drought area covers Wiltshire alongside Dorset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Swindon falls within the Thames Valley drought area, meaning both Swindon and the wider Wiltshire area are experiencing drought conditions despite the differing water restrictions.
The worsening situation follows England’s driest July since records began in 1836.
Rainfall during August has so far amounted to just 5% of the expected level, with further hot and dry weather forecast.
River flows, groundwater and reservoir levels are continuing to fall, while rising water temperatures are putting additional pressure on wildlife.
Reservoir levels across England have fallen to 69%, which is 11.6% lower than expected for this time of year.
The Environment Agency said only 14% of river flows are currently classed as normal, with 22% exceptionally low.
Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.
“We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last. Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers.”
The prolonged dry conditions are also affecting agriculture, with farmers reporting some of their earliest harvests in 20 years alongside reduced yields.
Livestock farmers have begun using winter forage supplies earlier than normal because of poor grass growth.
The Government said it is considering further support for farmers and is working to make it easier for agricultural businesses to build irrigation reservoirs.
Eight water companies have introduced Temporary Use Bans, commonly known as hosepipe bans, in some or all of their areas.
Thames Water is among those with restrictions in place, affecting customers in the Swindon area. Wessex Water has not introduced a hosepipe ban.
People across Swindon and Wiltshire are still being encouraged to reduce their water consumption, including by taking shorter showers, turning taps off while brushing their teeth and fixing leaking toilets.
The Environment Agency said the current drought is the third to affect England in five years, following droughts in 2022 and 2025.
