Drought spreads across England as soil moisture in Anglia reaches record low Some 30 sea trout and six salmon have been reported dead. British Waterways has lowered the water level on the Grand Union Canal at Tring Summit, closing it to through passage. The drought conditions, which come after two dry winters in a row, have raised the prospect of hosepipe bans in the coming weeks. Households across all the affected areas are being asked to save water by taking shorter showers and not washing cars or watering lawns with a hosepipe. Helen Vale, national drought co-ordinator, for the Environment Agency, said saving water now could help ease restrictions later in the summer. "With the south east of England moving formally to drought this week and many parts of England at high risk, it's more important than ever that we all use water wisely," she said. The Environment Agency must balance the water needs of people, businesses and the environment. We are working with businesses, farmers and water companies to plan ahead to meet the challenges of a continued drought. The Environment Agency will be publishing a report in March, looking at the prospects of drought in the spring and summer. It will also be looking at the possibility of a third dry winter affecting drought-afflicted areas. It has been suggested that water companies should be setting up a "national water grid" that will allow water to be transported from wet areas to dry areas. It will not be across huge areas and will be cheaper than desalination, which is another option.