The Environment Agency has declared official drought zones in a further 17 English counties and said the shortages could last until Christmas or beyond.
Environmental experts said dry weather over the past few months had left some rivers in England exceptionally low and had now extended the country's "drought map" into the Midlands and the South West.
Environment Agency officials stress that public water supplies are unlikely to be affected by the ongoing drought, but are reiterating calls from consumers to combat the dry conditions by using scarce water wisely.
The release today of a second report into the earthquakes caused by Cuadrilla resources’ fracking activity in Lancashire has been met with disdain from environmental activists.
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The Government has insisted that the green belt will remain protected under long-awaited reforms to the planning system.
Health and safety has attracted considerable political and media attention over the last few years. But there is a very positive story to tell on the contribution it makes to individuals, organisations, the economy and society more generally.