England Faces Worsening Drought, Experts Urge Water Conservation

England is facing a prolonged drought that experts warn could last until mid-autumn, with some regions already officially in drought status due to below-average rainfall and depleted water reservoirs. The National Drought Group and government officials are coordinating efforts to manage water scarcity, with Southern Water applying for stricter bans on non-essential water use and emergency measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems. Various sectors, including agriculture and navigation, are affected by low water levels, and there has been an increase in fish die-offs and record low river flows in some areas. Water companies and MPs are urging the public to use water responsibly by adopting simple measures such as using washing machines and dishwashers only when full, checking for leaks, and allowing lawns to go brown. Safety concerns have also been raised due to increased water-based activities amid warmer weather and rising drowning incidents, prompting calls for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines. Regional water authorities continue to stress the importance of sensible water usage to help mitigate the impact of the ongoing drought conditions across England.