In this episode of Waterfall, Cath and Karen are joined by Stuart Sampson, National Drought Manager at the Environment Agency, to explore what really happens during a drought. Stuart explains how droughts are defined, why they differ from dry weather, and what Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) mean for households. He also shares the role of water companies in drought planning, the environmental impacts of prolonged dry spells, and what practical steps we can all take to save water. Full of expert insights and useful tips, this episode highlights why water resilience matters for us all.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest

01:08 – How dry has 2025 been compared to past years?

03:58 – What officially defines a drought?

09:59 – Understanding Temporary Use Bans (TUBs)

15:19 – What should water companies do during droughts?

21:17 – Environmental impacts of prolonged drought

26:22 – Key messages and practical steps for the public

Show notes

Environment Agency