Scienceenvironment
We must save water as drought becomes new normal, says minister
Severe drought has been declared across large parts of southern and northern England following months of exceptionally low rainfall. Water and flooding minister Emma Hardy warned MPs that current conditions are unprecedented in decades, affecting over 80% of the country. With major reservoirs hitting critically low capacity levels, the government is urging the public to use water wisely. Authorities have implemented daily monitoring and stricter compliance checks to safeguard supplies before disruptions occur.