Supporting agriculture to adapt and thrive in a changing climate

Agriculture depends on reliable water supplies. As climate change increases the likelihood of prolonged dry weather, managing water resources sustainably is becoming increasingly important for farms, growers and rural businesses.

The Environment Agency works with farmers, growers, water companies, regional partners and environmental organisations to help build long-term water resilience. Through this page, you can access the latest dry weather information, connect with regional groups, and learn about collaborative approaches that support sustainable water management.

Whether you are planning for the current season or considering long-term investment in water resilience, these resources will help you better understand local water challenges and opportunities.

We also run our Local Resource Option programme which you can find out more about here: Water Hub: Local Resource Option Screening Studies

Dry Weather Updates and Information

Access the latest information on water resources

Periods of dry weather can affect water availability, crop production and business operations. The Environment Agency monitors water resources across England and provides regular updates to help farmers and growers stay informed.

By understanding current conditions and emerging risks, agricultural businesses can make informed decisions about water use and future planning.

Find out more about:

• Water situation: area monthly reports for England - GOV.UK
• Dry weather and drought in England 2026: summary reports - GOV.UK
• Drought and water availability - GOV.UK
• Water efficiency measures
• On-farm water storage and resilience
• Drought prospects (To be added when available)

Regional Groups and Support for Agriculture

Working together to address local water challenges

Regional water resource groups bring organisations together to plan for future water needs while protecting the environment.

These groups include representatives from agriculture, water companies, local authorities, environmental organisations and other sectors that have an interest in sustainable water management.

By engaging with regional groups, farmers and growers can:

• Understand local water pressures - Access information on current and future water resource challenges, including climate change impacts and demand for water across the region.
• Contribute to regional planning - Help ensure the needs of agriculture are considered within long-term regional water resource planning and investment decisions.
• Share knowledge and good practice - Learn from other farmers, growers and organisations that are developing innovative approaches to water management and resilience.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration - Explore opportunities for shared infrastructure, water storage, water efficiency initiatives and catchment-based solutions.

Regional groups play an important role in developing the long-term strategies needed to secure water supplies for people, businesses, agriculture and the environment.

Find out more about Regional Groups' work with agriculture in our case study.

Water Action Groups (WAGs) and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Building resilient water systems through partnership

A Water Abstractor Group (WAG) is a collective of water users, such as farmers and food producers, working together to secure sustainable water access and address challenges like water scarcity, regulation changes, and licence reductions.

Benefits for agriculture

• Influencing local decisions - WAGs provide opportunities for farmers and growers to contribute to discussions on water management, drought planning and future investment.
• Accessing expertise and innovation - Members can share knowledge, learn from successful projects and explore innovative approaches to improving water resilience.
• Developing collaborative solutions - Partnership working can support projects that improve water security, enhance the environment and benefit local communities.
• Strengthening resilience - Cross-sector collaboration helps build a shared understanding of water challenges and supports more effective and sustainable solutions for the future.

Interested in forming your own WAG or learning more? Find out how here.

Supply-Demand Balance Assessments

Understanding future water availability

Agriculture depends on reliable water supplies. Understanding where water is available and where pressures may arise is important in planning for the future.

Recently, the Environment Agency carried out Supply-Demand Balance Assessments (SDBAs) to better understand water supply and demand for agriculture across England. The project looked at current conditions and how these could change by 2050, taking into account climate change, environmental needs and changes in agricultural activity.

The findings highlight that water availability varies across England. Although licensed water volumes exceed estimated agricultural demand nationally, this does not mean that water is always available when and where it is needed. Factors such as restrictions on abstraction to protect the environment and limited water storage can affect access to water.

The project included detailed assessments of 25 catchments to explore local water availability and future challenges. The findings can help farmers and growers understand water pressures in their area and support longer-term planning for sustainable water use and resilience.

Read the full Supply-Demand Balance Assessment reports in our Document Library to the right of this page.

Working Together for a Resilient Water Future

The Environment Agency is committed to supporting agriculture in adapting to future water challenges while protecting the natural environment.

By staying informed, engaging with regional groups and participating in collaborative initiatives such as Water Abstractor Groups, farmers and growers can play an important role in securing resilient and sustainable water resources for future generations.

Explore the resources available and subscribe for updates to stay informed.