Severe drought is declared in SIX regions of England as millions remain under hosepipe ban

Comment now Next SEVERE drought has been declared in six UK regions, the Government has confirmed. Parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset , East Sussex and West Sussex are now considered to be in the most serious stages of drought. Severe drought has been declared in six parts of the south of England Credit: Marc Aspland This comes as at least 24million people continue to face hosepipe bans , with restrictions introduced by nine water companies. Advertisement According to officials, the South East and South West have experienced their driest April to September for more than a century. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. The decision to declare “severe drought” was prompted by the Enivironment Agency following a National Drought Group meeting. Water companies have also been instructed to step up drought planning to protect public water supplies in the impacted areas. Read more News GALE FORCE Brits brace for heavy rain & 70mph gales as remnants of hurricane to batter UK DEADLY DOWNPOUR Horror floods batter Brit tourist hotspot killing two as cars swept away “Severe drought”, according to the Environemnt Agency, is the most critical stage of the dry conditions. It can result in impacts to farming , people, communities, the economy and the environment. On the Environment Agency’s website, it says: “The lack of water leads to serious water shortages and widespread impacts across sectors. “It’s when the lack of water begins to disrupt daily life and the environment in major ways.” Most read in The Sun TAKE NOTE New GCSE exam rule being rolled out in England next month in curriculum shake-up COP 'SHAME' Police Interceptors star 'went dogging with cop after sending her sexual pics' BRIT 'BRONX' Inside 'Hunger Games' estate where locals fear 'chase or kill' balaclava gangs BLING BOAST Albanian burglar poses next to £300k Rolls-Royce as he fights THIRD deportation Only last week, drought was declared in Yorkshire due to “low water levels in reservoirs and rivers”, despite a few weeks of rain. Advertisement Head of the Environment Agency, Philip Duffy , said: “Recovery depends on both rainfall and how much water we use,” he said. “We cannot change the weather , but water companies can act now. “We expect them to follow their drought plans and take the steps needed to secure public water supplies.” Environment Secretary, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “This level of drought is something we have not experienced for decades, so this government is stepping up our support and planning. “We are working closely with water companies to protect public supplies in the areas affected, and I’d continue to urge everyone to think about how they can use water wisely over the coming weeks. Advertisement “Our strengthened Water Bill is all about taking back public control of our water companies. “We are at the start of a decade-long journey to a very different water system, including nine new major reservoirs to secure supplies.” Comment now