Some water companies are in discussion about their drought plan trigger levels but there are no regional Drought Orders planned at present. However a river level Drought Order is due to be implemented by the EA, but this is different and should not affect any agricultural abstractor. The procedure would be to implement a TUB before a Drought Order so we will be able to give some warning if the situation changes.
Ground water levels are still healthy and better than the same time last year. We have very dry soils at the moment and any rainfall will need to satisfy that before any significant aquifer recharge takes place. It is still projected we will go back to a generally dry August and September, albeit with cooler temperatures.
The North West of England will no longer be subject to a Temporary User Ban (TUB) or hose pipe ban.
Northern Ireland had a TUB in place, this has now been revoked.