The current water shortfall in England is now defined as a “nationally significant incident”, the National Drought Group found on meeting today.
Five areas are officially in drought with six more experiencing prolonged dry weather following the driest six months to July since 1976.
Many river flows and reservoir levels in England continued to recede in July compared with June, despite wetter weather with rainstorms and showers.
August has started to see the return of drier conditions and the fourth heatwave of the summer, which is putting more pressure on already struggling public water supplies and navigational waterways.
The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the NFU, Canal & River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts – used the meeting to highlight the water-saving measures each sector is taking.
“The current situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment,” said the Environment Agency’s director of water and NDG chair, Helen Wakeham. “Water companies must continue to quickly fix leaks and lead the way in saving water.
“We know the challenges farmers are facing and will continue to work with them, other land users, and businesses to ensure everyone acts sustainably.”
The recent rainfall has been welcomed by growers, although the impacts from the dry weather remain as farmers continue their harvest, they warned.
“British farmers and growers continue to face extremely dry conditions, with harvest underway and crop yields proving mixed across the country,” said NFU vice president Rachel Hallos. “Some farms are reporting significant drop in yields, which is financially devasting for the farm business and could have impacts for the UK’s overall harvest.
“Farming is a long-term industry and there is growing concern about the months ahead. Minimal grass growth means many livestock farmers are already tapping into winter feed stocks, raising the risk of higher production costs later in the year.”
Hallos repeated calls for more investment in water infrastructure and a more effective planning system.
Speaking after attending the meeting, water minister Emma Hardy said the government would be “urgently stepping up its response”.
“Water companies must now take action to follow their drought plans – I will hold them to account if they delay,” she added. “We face a growing water shortage in the next decade. That’s why we are pushing ahead with root and branch reform under our Plan for Change, which includes £104bn of private investment to build nine reservoirs and new pipes to cut leaks.”
No comments yet