Water firms seek to ban non-essential business use as England drought worsens

As drought conditions persist across most of England, three water companies are pressing the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for emergency powers to restrict non-essential water use by businesses. The proposals would bar golf clubs, private schools and commercial car washes from drawing mains water in the affected service areas of South East Water, Southern Water and South West Water. Eleven English regions remain in drought, with reservoir levels up to 21% below autumn expectations and several rivers, including the Derwent and the Test, flowing at critically low rates that endanger fish spawning and habitats.

Southern Water also seeks a drought order that would let it draw water from the internationally important chalk stream of the River Test despite ecological concerns. Officials note that recovery will require sustained above-average rainfall over several months, and that current river flows are insufficient to support public water supplies. Environmental groups, such as the Angling Trust, have welcomed the proposed restrictions, arguing that commercial car washes should not be exempt while households face hosepipe bans.