Drought permits
The south east of England has experienced exceptionally dry weather during spring and summer 2026.
Alongside the hosepipe ban, we may need to use additional drought measures to help protect public water supplies while continuing to protect the environment.
What is a drought permit?
A drought permit is a temporary permission from the Environment Agency for water companies. It changes or suspends the conditions of our abstraction licences, allowing us to take extra water from the environment.
Drought permits are only used when specific triggers are met, as set out in our Drought Plan. Each permit application needs evidence showing its necessity. Regulators will carefully review this before making a decision.
Protecting the environment remains a priority.
Before applying for a drought permit, we carry out environmental assessments. This helps us understand potential impacts and find ways to tackle them. We collaborate with the Environment Agency during this process to aid their decision-making.
Current drought permits
The following drought permit has been issued by the Environment Agency.
Farmoor drought permit
On 29 September, the Environment Agency granted the Farmoor drought permit. The drought permit will involve a temporary variation (for a period of 6 months) of our licence to increase the licensed abstraction of water from the River Thames at Farmoor. This will help to maintain resilient public water supplies whilst drought conditions continue.