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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Helena Horton and Sascha Pare

Hosepipe bans, water butts and beavers: what can we do to combat drought in Britain?

Parched grass in Hyde Park, London on 3 August 2022 as UK faces drought warnings.
Parched grass in Hyde Park, London on 3 August 2022 as UK faces drought warnings. Photograph: Matthew Chattle/REX/Shutterstock

Many parts of southern England and Wales are facing drought conditions and are preparing for emergency water measures, yet the country gets more annual rainfall than anywhere in continental Europe.

The long periods of drizzle Britain is renowned for mean we take water for granted in a way some hotter countries do not. But as the climate gets hotter and we become drier, this will no longer be feasible. So how did we get here and what can politicians, companies and individuals do to mitigate against drought?

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