Hertfordshire has officially been declared to be in drought after the Environment Agency escalated its response to one of the driest periods on record.

The county, which falls within the Herts and North London area, is one of seven regions across England now officially in drought following months of exceptionally low rainfall, prolonged hot weather and falling river and reservoir levels.

The declaration means authorities believe the impacts of the prolonged dry weather are becoming increasingly severe for water supplies, agriculture and the environment, although it does not automatically lead to new restrictions for households.

The Environment Agency said England has experienced an exceptionally dry spring and summer, with July on course to become the driest since records began. Southern England has received just a fraction of its usual rainfall this month, while high temperatures have accelerated the drying of soils, rivers and reservoirs.

Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said: "We are seeing the impacts of prolonged dry weather and drought across many parts of England. We all need to use water wisely and reduce unnecessary water use wherever possible."

The National Drought Group, which includes government departments, water companies, farming organisations and environmental bodies, met this week to assess conditions before agreeing to move the Herts and North London area from prolonged dry weather into full drought status.

For residents across Hitchin and North Hertfordshire, there are currently no additional restrictions beyond those already introduced by water companies. Affinity Water's temporary hosepipe ban remains in force across the region following weeks of exceptionally dry weather.

The Environment Agency stressed that a drought declaration is based on a range of indicators including rainfall, river flows, groundwater levels and reservoir storage rather than simply high temperatures.

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Officials warned that drought can have significant impacts on wildlife, with lower river levels reducing oxygen available to fish and other aquatic species, while farmers continue to face increasing pressure on crops and livestock.

The agency is urging everyone to help conserve water by:

• Keeping showers shorter.
• Using watering cans instead of hoses where possible.
• Fixing leaking taps and toilets.
• Only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.

The Environment Agency said it will continue to monitor conditions closely and work with water companies to protect essential supplies while safeguarding the environment as the dry weather continues.