The Environment Agency confirmed on Wednesday, July 29, that Devon and Cornwall is among seven areas of England now officially classed as being in drought, following what is set to become the driest July on record. Jo Laeger, environment manager for the Environment Agency in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is in drought for the first time since 2023. The Environment Agency said rivers across England are running at exceptionally low levels, with 78 per cent now classed as below normal or lower. The Environment Agency said this is the third drought to affect England in the past five years, following droughts in 2022 and 2025. South West Water is among seven water companies that have introduced Temporary Use Bans affecting around 23 million customers across England.