The Environment Agency has a statutory duty to secure the proper use of water resources. The Agency has drought plans in place which set out how it will manage water resources during a drought and define the Agency’s role and responsibilities. The plans aim to reconcile the competing interests of the environment, the need for public water supply and other water abstractions. They involve monitoring a range of environmental indicators that determine the action it will take to achieve this aim. Actions to manage drought include increased environmental monitoring, liaison with water companies, public awareness campaigns and determination of drought permits. More information can be found on the Agency’s website.
http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/epages/eapublications.storefront/EN/product/GEHO0606BKXP-E-E?lang=_e#
All water companies also have drought plans to ensure the security of the public water supply in periods of drought. The Water Act 2003 has made the production of such plans a statutory requirement. The plans contain a series of steps, which cause the company to initiate a range of actions depending on the severity and extent of the drought. One of the actions may involve applying to my Department for drought orders to restrict non-essential use of water.