The National Drought Group has urged people to use water
wisely following a meeting to discuss pressure on water
resources and the environment following this summer’s heat
wave.
The environment has suffered due to the driest May to July
across England since 1921. The Environment Agency (EA)
responded to a 330% increase in significant drought-related
incidents as teams acted to protect wildlife and rescue
fish struggling due to low river flows.
Numerous species, habitats, birds, trees and aquatic life
have been affected by the hot, dry summer and high demand
for water. EA hydrologists recorded ‘exceptionally low’
river flows for 5 weeks in a row, reservoir stocks for
England as a whole were at historic lows for the end of
July and soils were the driest on record in the North West.
The EA’s Chief Executive, Sir James Bevan, chaired the
National Drought Group meeting and received updates from
water companies, discussed ways to protect the environment
and sustain support for farmers and businesses. Water
companies were asked to outline progress against agreed
action plans to maintain water supplies while protecting
the environment. They reported that there are no current
plans to bring in Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans)
although water restrictions remain a possibility if
rainfall in September is low.
The EA has taken a range of actions to respond to the
impacts of dry weather including:
- Supporting farmers by allowing more flexibility with
water abstraction in order to safeguard food production and
animal welfare.
- Operating water transfers to help maintain river flows.
- Increased monitoring and inspection of businesses
abstracting water to ensure they are not taking more water
than they need.
- Issuing 4 drought permits to United Utilities at
locations in Cumbria, should they be needed later in the
year.
- Not cleaning EA fleet vehicles and office windows to
avoid unnecessary water usage.
Although August has seen dry periods interrupted by bouts
of wet weather, the Met Office 3 month outlook for
September to November forecasts that above average
temperatures and slightly lower than average rainfall are
likely.
Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency
said:
Over the last few months of prolonged dry weather the
Environment Agency, the water companies and many others
have been working hard together to reduce the risk of
water restrictions and balance the needs of the public,
businesses and the environment.
Despite the recent rain, we will need to continue to
collaborate closely as we move into autumn. All of us
have a role to play in helping to protect the environment
and maintain supplies. We encourage everyone to use water
wisely.
