Reservoir Levels in England Raise Alarm
England’s reservoirs are facing significant challenges, with a substantial number now classified as notably or exceptionally low following yet another dry month. In collaboration with water companies, the government is taking measures to safeguard supplies in light of this worrying trend.
During this period, the Environment Agency typically anticipates that the overall reservoir storage across England would be approximately 74.3% full. However, current figures reveal a stark contrast; many reservoirs remain below half of their capacity. Notably, Ardingly in West Sussex and Wimbleball in Somerset are particularly concerning, registering at only 23% and 21% full, respectively.
These disconcerting statistics come in the wake of recent statements from Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, both of whom emphasised the importance of water management as a governmental priority. The ongoing drought has underscored the necessity of prioritising public interest in relation to this essential resource.
To address the situation, the government has been actively coordinating efforts within the water sector, holding weekly meetings of the National Drought Group. Additionally, a comprehensive reform of the industry is on the horizon, facilitated by the forthcoming strengthened Water Bill. Further details regarding the government’s strategy for water management are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Government Oversight and Industry Compliance
The government, alongside the Environment Agency, is diligently monitoring the actions of water companies to ensure compliance with their statutory drought plans aimed at conserving supplies and supporting local communities. In an effort to bolster these measures, the Environment Agency is enhancing monitoring processes and conducting more rigorous checks on water abstraction activities.
In a proactive move, the EA is expediting the processing of drought permit applications, which allow water companies to reduce the volume of water released into local rivers. This initiative aims to better protect public water supplies while maintaining a balance with environmental considerations and local wildlife needs.
In light of these developments, South East Water is poised to submit an application for a non-essential use ban (NEUB) to the government, a step intended to conserve water for household use and minimise the necessity for additional restrictions.
Water Minister Emma Hardy remarked on the need for fundamental reform in the water sector to better serve the public interest. She acknowledged the strain that this year’s unprecedented dry spring and successive summer heatwaves have placed on water resources and stressed that any further disruptions to customer supplies would be wholly unacceptable. Hardy urged water companies to take immediate action to conserve remaining resources, repair leaks, reduce demand, and implement contingency plans for the forthcoming weeks.
Rainfall Deficiencies and Climate Challenges
September marks the sixth consecutive month of below-average rainfall in England, with national averages hovering around 65%. However, the disparities in rainfall are significant; drought-affected regions have reported even lower figures, with the East and South East receiving only 52% and 57% of expected rainfall, respectively. Central England recorded 59%, while the South West fared slightly better at 69%.
Although recent cooler temperatures have led to a decline in water demand, consumption remains higher than anticipated for this time of year, placing further strain on reservoirs and public supplies. Without substantial interventions, such as NEUBs, reservoir storage is expected to continue its downward trend for the remainder of the year.
The Environment Agency has recently highlighted that soil moisture levels are alarmingly low, necessitating a remarkable 120% of average rainfall over the next seven months to alleviate drought conditions across the country by spring. The anticipated El Niño effect could potentially increase the likelihood of a wet and stormy autumn, yet drought conditions are expected to persist in several regions. Climate change continues to exacerbate the occurrence of both droughts and flooding, occasionally leading to simultaneous events.
Support for Agriculture and Water Resource Management
During the latest National Drought Group meeting, the Environment Agency announced two crucial changes to abstraction licence regulations aimed at assisting farmers. These adjustments come in the wake of a £65 million funding boost recently announced by Mr Burnham.
The first amendment permits farmers to begin filling their water storage reservoirs immediately, rather than waiting until November 1st, thereby ensuring they are adequately prepared for ongoing drought conditions. To safeguard the environment, this provision does not apply to river catchments deemed principal salmon rivers, which are essential for fish stock recovery, nor to areas under S57 restrictions.
The second amendment simplifies the process for farmers seeking long-term abstraction licences, further supporting agricultural resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions.
Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, emphasised the necessity for prudent water usage in light of the ongoing drought. He reiterated the collaborative efforts between the government and regulators to manage water reserves judiciously while also implementing measures to assist the agricultural sector without compromising environmental integrity.
Comprehensive Measures for Water Conservation
Among the various initiatives being undertaken are a £65 million package aimed at helping farmers affected by drought, which includes funding of up to £15 million for the construction of on-farm reservoirs. This support enables farmers to store more water during periods of rainfall effectively.
Additionally, an investment of £100 million is being allocated to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to extreme weather events and wildfires. Water companies are also focusing on resilience strategies, which include plans for nine new reservoirs by 2050, alongside the development of desalination plants and various water transfer schemes to secure future supplies.
Changes in the Planning and Infrastructure Act are also being proposed to allow non-water sector companies to construct reservoirs that will be classified as nationally significant infrastructure projects, thereby expediting the approval process for new reservoirs.
Furthermore, ongoing efforts are being made towards mandatory water efficiency labelling, with Defra set to respond soon to a consultation aimed at enhancing water efficiency standards in new homes. Efforts to promote nature-based solutions, including peatland restoration, wetland creation, and tree planting, are also being prioritised to mitigate flooding and retain moisture during drought periods.
The National Drought Group, comprising representatives from various sectors including the Met Office, government bodies, regulators, water companies, farmers, and conservation experts, is convening weekly to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate responses as part of a heightened incident management strategy. The Environment Agency is currently processing ten drought permit applications, including one recently granted to South East Water to assist in supporting Ardingly Reservoir.
Members of the National Drought Group are also champions of the Let’s Save Water campaign, highlighting the collective commitment to water conservation and management across the country.