Time to invest in our water security
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As England enters the autumn, the National Drought Group met to
reiterate the importance of all sectors continuing to plan and
invest for all weather eventualities and future droughts. The Group
discussed the benefits of smart metering and the importance of
everyone using water wisely to protect the environment at all
times, not just during droughts. Experts are pushing for more
investment now to ensure England is in the best possible position
ahead of future droughts,...Request free
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Experts are pushing for more investment now to ensure England is in the best possible position ahead of future droughts, the National Drought Group heard this week (12 September). The Group is taking proactive steps now, while water supply is stable, to ensure the preservation of vital water resources – with government, conservation experts and water companies gathering to discuss how we can best ensure the needs of the public, farmers, industry, nature and wildlife are met.
Chaired by the Environment Agency’s Water Management and Investment Deputy Director Richard Thompson, the meeting discussed the ongoing challenge of securing England’s water supply in the face of a growing population, urbanisation and climate change.
National Drought Group members heard that:
The National Drought Group (NDG) is made up of senior decision-makers from the Environment Agency, government, water companies and key representative groups. Water Minister Rebecca Pow also joined this week’s meeting.
EA Water Management and Investment Deputy Director Richard Thompson said:
“Water is a precious resource. We must all work together to ensure our water supplies are resilient into the future, especially now while our valuable resources are in a good place.
“The EA will continue work with all sectors to prepare for droughts, including the most severe. It remains crucial for all of us to use water responsibly, not only to safeguard our water resources but also to protect our environment and wildlife for current and future generations.” Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:
“We must take every opportunity to ensure we get ahead of potential hot, dry weather, particularly now as we head into the cooler months. "Through our Plan for Water, we are funding more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment for farmers, have secured significant investment to increase our water resilience, and are ensuring key water supply infrastructure, such as reservoirs, can be built more quickly. “We have also been clear that water companies need to ensure adequate infrastructure to secure our future water supply, do more to reduce leakage and encourage water efficiency. However, we all have an important role to play in preserving water resources.” Current situation The changeable weather already experienced this year continues - with a hot and dry late May and June, and wet weather throughout July and August.
Despite the recent hot start to September, most rivers, reservoirs and groundwater are where we would expect them for this time of year. The exceptions are Cornwall, Devon and north Norfolk, which remain in drought. We will continue to monitor the hydro-ecology and reservoir levels of the areas in drought.
As of 6 September, total reservoir capacity across England was 81% full. The August total rainfall for England was 72mm, which represents 102% of the 1961 to 1990 long term average (LTA) for the time of year (96% of the 1991 to 2020 LTA).
The Plan for Water The government’s Plan for Water brings together the significant action already taken, along with new measures, that will secure a plentiful supply of water. This includes:
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