Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

Yorkshire has become the second region to enter drought status following the driest spring in 132 years.   The Environment Agency announced the change in status today (12th June 2025) following declining river flows and groundwater levels because of the dry March, April and May.   The decision sees the regulator stepping up its operational response in … Read more

England faces 5 billion litre public water shortage by 2055 without urgent action

Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

England faces 5 billion litre a day shortfall for public water supplies by 2055 – and a further 1 billion litre a day deficit for wider economy.  Pressures caused by climate change, growing population, emerging technologies and need to protect environment.  £8 billion water company investment already committed over next five years. England’s public water supply … Read more

Consultation on recovering costs for water company enforcement

Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

Following the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, the Environment Agency is now able to recover additional costs associated with regulating the water industry. This includes the cost of existing and new enforcement activities which were previously funded by government Grant in Aid.    The proposals – set out in a consultation seeking views from … Read more

Man given suspended jail term for illegal Lincolnshire waste site

Man given suspended jail term for illegal Lincolnshire waste site

Court imposes fines, costs and confiscation order on director and his company for nearly £100,000 Judge tells defendant he ran business in ‘arrogant and bullish’ manner Environment Agency officer verbally abused during site inspection. At Lincoln Crown Court on Wednesday 7 May 2025, Matthew Berry, 46, of Loft Shay, Longridge, Preston, received a suspended sentence … Read more

Bathing water season in England begins as applications re-open

Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

The bathing water season has officially started (Thursday 15 May 2025), marking the beginning of rigorous testing of water quality from the Environment Agency at bathing sites.  Our bathing waters bring important social and health benefits to local communities and help coastal towns prosper by attracting tourists from across the UK and the world.    Throughout … Read more

Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Awards – nominations open – uk.gov

Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Awards – nominations open
 – uk.gov

Lucie Reader of Pitcombe and last years’s award winner The Somerset Prepared partnership, including the Environment Agency, is searching for nominees for its next Community Resilience Awards. The nomination window opened on Sunday 11 May in celebration of this month’s Somerset Day. These awards recognise people and groups who have gone above and beyond to … Read more

Environment Agency and Oxford City Council unlock growth

Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

Partnership unlocks 18,000 new homes whilst ensuring high standards of environmental protection A new solution to development follows Government calls to unlock growth Environment Agency won’t seek a planning condition and Oxford City Council can now determine planning applications with benefit of increased confidence in, and oversight of, waste water treatment scheme A partnership between … Read more

Environment Agency secures record commitments from water sector

Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

The Environment Agency working closely with Natural England has secured the largest ever commitment from water companies to clean up the environment and invest in new infrastructure since privatisation.    The Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) sets out over 24,000 actions water companies must take over the next five years to meet their legal … Read more