A Water UK spokesperson said:

“The Environment Agency’s declaration of a drought for parts of the country underscores the severity of the current situation and reiterates the urgent need to be mindful of our water use.

“Water companies have comprehensive plans in place to deal with long periods of dry weather which have already been deployed and are not dependent on a drought being called.

“Companies continue to take appropriate measures in line with their prepared plans to protect public supplies of water and the environment.”