Much of southern and eastern England is officially in a state of drought, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced.
The announcement came as Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman hosted a drought summit.
In parts of south-east England groundwater levels are lower than in the infamously dry summer of 1976.
Water companies are ready to bring in hosepipe bans from early spring, where necessary, Defra says.
They had agreed measures to reduce the environmental impact of dry conditions, including reducing water losses and improving leak detection, as well as encouraging customers to save water, it said.
The Environment Agency will also take steps such as monitoring the impact of the dry weather on fisheries and wildlife.
Ms Spelman said after the summit: "Drought is already an issue this year with the South East, Anglia and other parts of the UK now officially in drought, and more areas are likely to be affected as we continue to experience a prolonged period of very low rainfall.
'Use less'
"It is not just the responsibility of government, water companies and businesses to act against drought.
"We are asking for the help of everyone by urging them to use less water and to start now."
Much of southern and eastern England is officially in a state of drought, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced.
The announcement came as Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman hosted a drought summit.
In parts of south-east England groundwater levels are lower than in the infamously dry summer of 1976.
Water companies are ready to bring in hosepipe bans from early spring, where necessary, Defra says.
They had agreed measures to reduce the environmental impact of dry conditions, including reducing water losses and improving leak detection, as well as encouraging customers to save water, it said.
The Environment Agency will also take steps such as monitoring the impact of the dry weather on fisheries and wildlife.
Ms Spelman said after the summit: "Drought is already an issue this year with the South East, Anglia and other parts of the UK now officially in drought, and more areas are likely to be affected as we continue to experience a prolonged period of very low rainfall.
'Use less'
"It is not just the responsibility of government, water companies and businesses to act against drought.
"We are asking for the help of everyone by urging them to use less water and to start now."
- BBC News
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