10 June 2011

Defra and the Environment Agency have today announced that parts of the Anglian region are now officially in a state of drought. Furthermore, areas in the South West, South East, Midlands and Wales are experiencing near-drought conditions following the driest spring on record in South East and Central Southern England, and the driest across England and Wales since 1990. image expired

Agriculture in particular has been affected by the dry weather, though the situation has been variable for producers and growers. Some horticultural crops have benefited from an earlier season and high consumer demand, with soft fruits faring especially well. However, a lack of rainfall has caused widespread challenges for the agricultural sector and some cereal crops are already facing irreversible effects. The NFU have estimated that drought stricken regions could suffer between 20% and 50% losses.  

The Environment Agency continues to monitor rivers and has pledged to respond quickly to pollution incidents, low oxygen levels and wildlife stranded by rivers drying up, as well as producing regular Drought Management Briefs to keep the public informed.

EA working with farmers to make water go further

The organisation is working closely with farmers in drought regions to find ways to make water resources go further; In some parts, farmers and growers have volunteered to irrigate only at night to reduce evaporation, while some abstractors are forming water co-operatives to share the limited amounts available.

The Environment Agency’s Chief Executive, Dr Paul Leinster said, “The Environment Agency, water companies and other water users have plans in place to cope with drought to ensure there is enough water for people, businesses and the environment. Many rivers have low flows as result of the dry weather which can harm wildlife and increase the impact of pollution incidents, so we are stepping up our monitoring to be able to respond quickly.

“Low river flows also impact on business, as it abstracts millions of gallons from rivers on a daily basis and we need to ensure this is sustainable. It’s important that we all use water wisely at all times of the year, and especially during drought.”

Spelman calls drought summit

A Drought Summit will be held today for Utility companies, farmers, water companies and environment groups are meeting to discuss what can be done to share resources, save water and build resilience for future dry conditions. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman will use this second drought summit to review the impacts of the continuing dry weather and consider what more can be done.

Spelman offered reassurance for those in drought stricken areas, “Water companies are confident that supplies are high enough so that widespread restrictions to the public are unlikely. We’re doing all we can to reduce the impact on agriculture and wildlife, but everyone can play their part. Households know how to use less water and everyone can do their bit to use water more wisely, not only through the summer, but throughout the year.”

While water companies have asked users to check their water use, as it is still too early to predict what summer will bring, Craig Bennett, policy director for Friends of the Earth, told the BBC that although many water companies have "raised their game" on preserving supplies in recent years, successive governments have taken "precious little action" to stop "unsustainable abstractions" and limit building where there is insufficient water infrastructure.

The latest hydrological study, produced by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, revealed, “Late May soils were the driest on record across large parts of eastern and central England – causing substantial agricultural stress (impacting on crop yields) and an increased risk of forest and heathland fires.”

The study’s forecast is ominous, “Above average summer rainfall would ameliorate the drought’s impact but with soils still exceptionally dry in much of southern Britain drought stress will continue.”

The met office has supplied maps detailing rainfall over the past three months and soil moisture, which show the East in particular to be alarmingly dry. Any crop with a moisture deficit below 40 will suffer losses unless it is irrigated.

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