Cornwall has been declared an official drought area after two years of exceptionally low rainfall.

Public drinking water supplies are currently unaffected, but the lack of rain is taking its toll on the environment, causing problems for wildlife and wetlands.

It follows two successive dry winters, with 16 of the last 25 months having seen below average rainfall.

The total rainfall recorded since October 2010 is the lowest for the same period since 1921/22 and is the second driest on record, while since October last year there has been only 71 per cent of the rainfall normally expected.

In February, it was less than 40 per cent and in March just 35 per cent.

All river flows are now much lower than expected for the time of year. Groundwater levels are also very low and starting to impact on rivers, such as chalk streams, with flows more typical of May than April. Reservoir levels are stable but below average.

Ben Johnstone, strategic drought manager for the Environment Agency, said: “The whole of the South West has moved into environmental drought status, reflecting the impact that this extended dry period is having on the environment and we are asking everyone to use water wisely.

“The amount of water we all use has a direct effect on the amount of water available in rivers and for wildlife.

“The Environment Agency work to balance the water needs of people, farmers, businesses and the environment and we are working with all sectors to plan ahead to meet the challenges of a continued environmental drought.”