The Environment Agency has declared the West Midlands is in a drought today (July 15) following the driest spring in 132 years.

Drought status has also been declared in the East Midlands.

It comes after rivers and groundwater have seen declining levels in recent months amid periods of hot and dry weather.

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Last month, some rivers in the West Midlands were at their lowest levels in June since 1976 – almost 50 years ago.

The announcement of drought status for both regions will see the Environment Agency step up its operational response alongside ensuring that water companies follow-up on drought plans too.

The West Midlands and East Midlands follow other regions that have recently entered drought status, including the north-west of England and Yorkshire.

Matt Gable, regional incident lead at the Environment Agency, said: “Against a backdrop of a changing climate, this change of status recognises the impact prolonged dry weather is having on water resources and the environment.

“In the Midlands, we are taking action to reduce that impact and to oversee the actions water companies need to take to secure public water supplies.

“We are also encouraging people to play their part through the rest of the summer period by noting the small steps we can all take to save water.”

The River Severn received only two-thirds of the rainfall it normally does in June, while River Trent catchment fared worse, with only 37% of its long-term average for June.

Environment Agency are continuing to monitor river levels and its crews are working with the water sector to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment.

The agency is also supporting farmers and abstractors with advice on how to manage abstraction during prolonged dry weather and low flows.

Fisheries teams are responding where necessary to protect fish which are struggling due to reduced oxygen or moving them if the river has dried up and they have become stranded.

The Environment Agency said it expects and will ensure that water companies follow their drought management plans.

Water companies need to step up their work to fix leaks and adjust their operations to conserve water, it said.

Meanwhile, members of the public are being asked to think about how they use water at home and in the garden, and to comply with any local restrictions.

A spokesperson for the agency added: “The less water you use at the home, the more water there is in your local environment.

“Recreational water users – such as anglers, swimmers, and boaters – are being asked to remain vigilant and report any environmental issues they see, such as fish in distress, acting as important eyes and ears on the ground.”