The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) updated its page "Public health impact of drought: advice for the public" on 13 November 2024, with the change logged as "Updated the information about heat health guidance"1. The guidance applies to England and was first published on 28 July 20221.
The page sets out the health consequences it associates with drought: "The health consequences are related to dehydration, increase of transmission of infectious diseases and poorer mental health"1. It states that during extended periods of low rainfall households may be asked to cut unnecessary water use, for example by not washing cars, watering gardens or filling pools with a hosepipe, and that in more severe conditions use may be limited to essential needs such as drinking, cooking and hygiene1. It also notes that drought conditions can increase dust in the environment, potentially affecting people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, and that wildfire smoke can affect air quality1.
On heat, the guidance says the heat can affect anyone but that some people run a greater risk of serious harm: older people, babies and young children, people with a serious chronic condition, people with serious mental health problems or on certain medications, people who are physically active outdoors, and homeless people1. It directs readers to the NHS and to the Adverse Weather and Health Plan, developed by UKHSA, for more information1. The page also carries a link to the Adverse Weather and Health Plan: How Services Respond guide, and sits within the wider heatwaves and drought subject area.
The update history shows earlier changes: on 13 March 2024 the agency "Added easy-read, sign-language and translated versions of guidance", and the page was first published on 28 July 20221. The 13 November 2024 entry does not set out what specifically changed in the heat health text; that has not been reported1.
"Updated the information about heat health guidance."
Why it matters for households
The guidance is addressed to the public in England and covers what households can expect and what the agency says about protecting health during drought and hot weather1. It states that if there is an interruption in the water supply, an alternative supply will be provided by the water company, and that people should continue to use tap water for drinking unless advised not to do so1. It advises vulnerable consumers to contact their water company to register on the Priority Services Register (PSR) so they could get extra help and support, for example the delivery of bottled water1. It advises reporting changes in the colour, taste or water pressure of tap water to the water company, and following any restrictions on water use such as hosepipe bans1.
On hygiene, the guidance says to continue washing hands, "for 20 seconds with water and soap", and to use hand sanitiser gel or sanitising wipes where hand washing facilities are not available1. On infant formula, it says bottled water is not recommended for use with formula unless tap water is not available, as it is not usually sterile and may contain too much salt (sodium) or sulphate; where bottled water must be used, it advises boiling the water (1 minute recommended), letting it cool to room temperature, and checking the label for less than 200mg per litre of sodium and no more than 250mg per litre of sulphate1. It advises keeping windows and doors closed if wildfire smoke is affecting air quality, carrying an inhaler during hot dry periods, and checking the UK Air forecast1. For mental health support it lists visiting NHS111.uk, dialling 111, or seeing a GP1.
What happens next
No further update date or next steps are given on the page beyond the 13 November 2024 revision1.
