Seven areas of England are now in a drought after a hot and dry summer with low rainfall. Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chairwoman of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it. “A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and the economy. “We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.” Multiple postcodes across Oxfordshire are affected by Thames Water's temporary hosepipe ban, which came into force last Thursday.