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A drought has been declared across much of England with eight of its fourteen regions moved from ‘prolonged dry’ to ‘in drought’ by the National Drought Group.
The group met on Friday (12 August) for the second time in recent weeks to discuss the impact of the dry, hot weather on the environment. Five water companies have so far announced temporary usage bans, commonly known as hosepipe bans, this summer to protect rivers and reservoirs in their regions.
The areas deemed to be in drought are Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Kent and South London, Herts and North London, East Anglia, Thames, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, and the East Midlands.
The announcement means water companies will be able to impose tighter restrictions to protect water resources as part of their drought plans.
Harvey Bradshaw, Environment Agency (EA) executive director and chair of the NDG, said: “The current high temperatures we are experiencing have exacerbated pressures on wildlife and our water environment. EA staff are doing an excellent job responding to environmental impacts and working with water companies to make sure they are following their drought plans.
“Today’s meeting has helped to build on our coordinated action to manage water supplies, consider water users and protect the environment. We urge everyone to manage the amount of water they are using in this exceptionally dry period.”
Recently appointed water minister Steve Double added: “All water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe, and we have made it clear it is their duty to maintain those supplies.
“We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and take further action as needed.”
On Wednesday, Double met with chief executives of water companies to assess the situation amidst the first hosepipe bans since 2012.
Triggers used to confirm the drought including rainfall, river flows, groundwater levels, reservoir levels and soil dryness. The Environment Agency makes decisions for each region at local rather than national level.
Hosepipe bans have been announced in part of Wales and Yorkshire, neither of which are officially considered to be in drought.
The Met Office has issued an amber heat warning for this weekend with temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius.
The security of water supply and the need to nudge consumer behaviour will be a key theme at the Utility Week Forum on 8-9 November. Find out more here.
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