Severe drought declared in six UK counties

It comes following one of the driest summers on record

The government said that parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex are all experiencing severe drought.

The south coast of England endured one the driest April to September in over a century, as per a statement.

While the announcement won't affect the water supply, water companies have been told to monitor reservoirs and river levels on a daily basis as well as conduct stricter water quality checks.

In a statement, Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said the UK hadn't seen this level of drought "for decades".

"We are working closely with water companies to protect public supplies in the areas affected, and I'd continue to urge everyone to think about how they can use water wisely over the coming weeks," she said.

Checks on businesses that use water from natural sources by the Environment Agency will also take place to make sure only permitted quantities are being drawn.