Farming News - Environment Secretary meets with water company CEO's over prolonged dry weather
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Environment Secretary meets with water company CEO's over prolonged dry weather
The Environment Secretary and Environment Minister Steve Double met with the CEOs of water companies today to discuss the ongoing response to the prolonged dry weather.
Ministers heard from CEOs about how their companies are taking necessary steps to safeguard public water supplies and mitigate the effects of this exceptionally dry period.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
“Today I met the chief executives of water companies to discuss the measures they are taking to protect water supplies in what is the driest summer in over 50 years.
“All water companies have reassured me that water supplies remain resilient across the country. Each company has a pre-agreed drought plan which they are following, and I have urged them to take any precautionary steps needed to protect essential supplies as we go into a likely very dry autumn.
“We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather with a system that is working well to manage water usage, protect the environment and maintain water supplies for the public and critical sectors. We will continue to actively monitor the situation, working alongside partners including the Environment Agency.”
Background briefing:
- Whilst all water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe, it is their duty to maintain those supplies.
- The Environment Secretary has said that in accordance with their pre-agreed drought plans, water companies across the country have rightly taken action to mitigate the effects of this prolonged dry weather using the range of tools available to them.
- Each company has a locally tailored drought plan and we urge them to act responsibly to implement that plan to safeguard public water supplies. Eight water companies have enacted their statutory drought plans with others stating they are following the steps set out in their plans.
- While there is an important role for individuals to sustainably manage their usage, we expect water companies to act to reduce leakage and fix leaking pipes as quickly as possible, and take wider action alongside government policy.
- We don’t use a single definition for drought so whilst it’s caused by a period of low rainfall, the nature, timing and impacts on people, the environment, agriculture or business will vary. Some droughts are short and intense like a hot, dry summer, while others are long and take time to develop over multiple seasons.
- The National Drought Group, chaired by the Agency, advises on the impacts seen or anticipated and the actions needed by all sectors to play their part. The Environment Agency decides whether it is helpful to signal a drought or severe drought.
- Water companies have drought plans which outline a series of actions that a water company can take to effectively manage the water resources available during a drought. It is for the individual water companies to follow the stages of their drought plans when drought triggers are met.
- Statutory drought plans complement water company 25-year+ statutory Water Resources Management Plans, which set out how water companies will manage and develop water resources so they are able, and continue to be able, to meet their supply duties and demonstrate long-term plans are in place to accommodate the impacts of population growth, drought resilience, environmental needs and climate.