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What we're doing

The Environment Agency is responsible for monitoring, reporting and acting to reduce the impact of drought on the environment

We work with water abstractors (such as water companies, farmers and industry) to manage the demand and availability of water and decide whether water company applications for drought permits are reasonable. 

We have drought plans for all of England and Wales.  These set out how we will manage water resources during a drought.  These plans aim to balance the competing interests of the environment and the need for public water supply.  They contain a range of environmental indicators that determine the action we will take to achieve this aim.  Actions to manage drought include increased environmental monitoring, liaising with water companies, public awareness campaigns and assessments of drought permits and orders.