Introduction

This group adds to and complements other forums and processes including:

Defra’s National Drought Group, chaired by ministers and senior officials to coordinate drought management action across sectors.
The Environment Agency’s monthly water situation reports and regular stakeholder engagement activity.
Water Resources South East’s Dry Weather Group.

The Drought Group does not have a formal decision-making role nor is accountable for how water supplies and drought options are managed. Instead it acts as a catalyst to identify and champion opportunities for improved water resources allocation and management across sectors to avoid drought conditions having an impact on key sectors and the environment.

See Drought Response: our framework for England for more details on different organisations’ roles and responsibilities for managing the risk of drought across the country.

Geographic scope 

WRE’s Drought Group focuses on the catchments within the Environment Agency’s East Anglia Area (principally Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire) but depending on the situation also and covers Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Invited representatives

Water companies (Anglian Water, Essex & Suffolk Water, Cambridge Water, Affinity Water), sector representatives (energy, agriculture, manufacturing, navigation, leisure, horticulture), Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) and relevant Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), Defra, Environment Agency, Natural England and the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

Drought glossary / FAQs

What is a drought?
A drought is a natural event characterised by a shortage of rainfall, which can vary in nature, timing, and impact depending on the location and sectors affected. Droughts develop over time and are typically recognised by their adverse effects on the environment and the availability of water for agriculture, energy production, industry, navigation, and the public water supply.

Types of drought

Environmental drought

Definition: Occurs when insufficient rainfall causes reduced river flows, exceptionally low groundwater levels, and insufficient soil moisture.

Impact: Signs of stress in wildlife (particularly aquatic) and habitats.

Actions: Measures are taken to reduce water abstraction from rivers and groundwater to mitigate the environmental impact.

Agricultural drought

Definition: Insufficient rainfall and soil moisture to support crop production or farming practices such as irrigation.

Impact: Affects crop yield and farming operations.

Actions: Farmers may face irrigation constraints due to environmental conditions or statutory restrictions on water use.

Water supply drought

Definition: When prolonged low rainfall leads to concerns about water supply for households and businesses.

Impact: Affects the water companies’ ability to supply water to their customers.

Actions: Water companies implement drought plans which include public engagement campaigns to encourage water efficiency, temporary usage bans (e.g. hosepipe bans) and non-essential usage bans, and in more extreme conditions, emergency drought orders, rota cuts and standpipes.

How are droughts managed?

Drought management involves various organisations, including the Environment Agency and water companies, working together to monitor, report, and mitigate drought impacts. Actions include implementing water use restrictions, improving irrigation efficiency, and applying for drought permits and orders to manage water resources more flexibly.

For more information on drought management and the roles of different organisations, please refer to the links below.

Useful links to further information