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16/04/2012
Drought Conditions Extend Across England
An announcement by the Environment Agency today will say that most of England is now in drought.
As the government start planning for long-term water shortages, with potentially disastrous consequences for wildlife and farming, larges areas of the Midlands and southwest England have entered official drought status. Water companies in those areas can now apply water restrictions on households and businesses.
The drought now extends from Cornwall to Kent, East Anglia to Shropshire and Herefordshire, and as far north as Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and North Yorkshire. Even parts of Wales – normally one of the wettest parts of the UK – are reporting ill-effects from the dry spell. The smattering of rain in many areas over Easter gave little respite from low river flows and falling groundwater levels, with only England's northernmost counties still getting enough wet weather.
Summer rainfall could help alleviate the problem but officials are planning for a third unusually dry winter. Only an exceptionally wet autumn and winter would prevent a drought from carrying through into next year. Soils are so dry and reservoir levels so low that only prolonged heavy rainfall will help.
"A longer term drought, lasting until Christmas and perhaps beyond, now looks more likely,” Trevor Bishop, head of water resources at the Environment Agency, has warned.
“We are working with businesses, farmers and water companies to plan ahead to meet the challenges of a continued drought," he said. "While we've had some welcome rain recently, the problem has not gone away and we would urge everyone – right across the country – to use water wisely now, which will help prevent more serious impacts next year."
As the government start planning for long-term water shortages, with potentially disastrous consequences for wildlife and farming, larges areas of the Midlands and southwest England have entered official drought status. Water companies in those areas can now apply water restrictions on households and businesses.
The drought now extends from Cornwall to Kent, East Anglia to Shropshire and Herefordshire, and as far north as Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and North Yorkshire. Even parts of Wales – normally one of the wettest parts of the UK – are reporting ill-effects from the dry spell. The smattering of rain in many areas over Easter gave little respite from low river flows and falling groundwater levels, with only England's northernmost counties still getting enough wet weather.
Summer rainfall could help alleviate the problem but officials are planning for a third unusually dry winter. Only an exceptionally wet autumn and winter would prevent a drought from carrying through into next year. Soils are so dry and reservoir levels so low that only prolonged heavy rainfall will help.
"A longer term drought, lasting until Christmas and perhaps beyond, now looks more likely,” Trevor Bishop, head of water resources at the Environment Agency, has warned.
“We are working with businesses, farmers and water companies to plan ahead to meet the challenges of a continued drought," he said. "While we've had some welcome rain recently, the problem has not gone away and we would urge everyone – right across the country – to use water wisely now, which will help prevent more serious impacts next year."
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16 May 2006
Drought order urged for London
Thames Water has been urged to apply for a drought order, as fears continue that England faces potentially its worst drought for a hundred years. The call came the day after the first drought order for eleven years was granted in England.
Drought order urged for London
Thames Water has been urged to apply for a drought order, as fears continue that England faces potentially its worst drought for a hundred years. The call came the day after the first drought order for eleven years was granted in England.
15 May 2006
Government grants first drought order for 11 years
The first drought order in England and Wales since 1995 has been granted to Sutton and East Surrey Water. The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region.
Government grants first drought order for 11 years
The first drought order in England and Wales since 1995 has been granted to Sutton and East Surrey Water. The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region.
24 June 2010
United Utilities Steps Up Its Drought Action Plan
With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities may soon need access to more of the North West's water resources and has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
United Utilities Steps Up Its Drought Action Plan
With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities may soon need access to more of the North West's water resources and has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
10 August 2006
Wildlife suffering because of drought
The continuing drought in England and Wales is killing wildfowl and fish, causing toxic algal blooms and reducing rivers to trickles, the Environment Agency has warned.
Wildlife suffering because of drought
The continuing drought in England and Wales is killing wildfowl and fish, causing toxic algal blooms and reducing rivers to trickles, the Environment Agency has warned.
25 May 2006
More drought orders issued
The government has issued three more drought orders as fears continue to grow that south east England could face its worst drought for a hundred years.
More drought orders issued
The government has issued three more drought orders as fears continue to grow that south east England could face its worst drought for a hundred years.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
