National Drought Group told to prepare now to avoid drought next summer

The National Drought Group has met to discuss how to avoid drought next summer.

The meeting was chaired by Environment Agency executive director John Leyland, who was joined by water minister Rebecca Pow.

Water companies were told they must start planning now to avoid water supply and environmental impacts next summer. During the meeting, it was highlighted that significant risks still remain for water supplies.

According to the Environment Agency, the West Midlands is moving from drought status to recovery, and Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire is moving from Prolonged Dry Weather to Normal status.

Above average rainfall in October and November has helped to improve river flow and wet up soil - this is recharging ground water and refilling reservoirs. Reservoirs stocks in England are now at 68 per cent capacity. However, some reservoirs are still significantly below normal levels for the time of year, including Colliford Reservoir in Cornwall which is at 24 per cent of capacity.

Water resource recharge has taken longer this year, as the soils were so dry.

Environment Agency executive director and National Drought Group chair John Leyland said: “We cannot rely on the weather alone - if we are to avoid a worse drought next year, it will require action by us all. Early and precautionary planning must start now to manage the risks that this would bring.”

“Building on the work of the EA, water companies and NDG members this year – from implementing drought plan measures such as Temporary Use Bans and drought permits to helping customers use less water – we must keep up our preparations for the worst-case scenario.

“Over winter we expect water companies to fix and reduce leaks, identify new sources of water and work with farmers, growers and other sectors to protect our precious water resources should drought remain next year.”

Image by Luis Iranzo Navarro-Olivares from Pixabay