The National Drought Group (NDG) met on 21 January 2019 chaired by Harvey Bradshaw, Executive Director at the Environment Agency, to assess the water resource situation actions being taken to reduce risk for summer 2019.
The NDG brings together Government departments, water companies, environmental groups and others. The role is to prepare and mitigate the impacts of dry weather, to co-ordinate action to maintain water supplies, consider water users and protect the environment.
Current situation and prospects
Wet weather in November and December 2018 ended a six month below average rainfall in England, which brought relief for many parts of England.
Despite this improvement and improved water resources compared to last year, it has not returned England to its average.
January 2019 received just 4% of the expected rainfall in the first 15 days of the month, resulting in most river flows being very low for the time of year. There are still several reservoirs below normal in central England.
The Met Office three month outlook shows a slightly higher chance of drier weather during January to March. If this is so, water available for spray irrigation by farmers may be limited during the summer.
If dry weather continues it will potentially have a significant impact on wetlands and the wildlife they support, including returning migratory birds.
The Environment Agency is taking the following action:
The NDG discussed opportunities to work collaboratively on these actions, the possible implications of further dry weather and how issues from EU Exit may impact on water resources for later in the year.
The Water Sector
Extreme weather in 2018 put pressure on the sector to test their resilience and drought plans. Water UK has reported on the actions the water sector has taken to protect water supplies and reduce longer term drought risk. The Environment Agency and Defra welcomed this activity and clarity.
Most water companies are in a better position than at the start of 2018 but several companies still have reservoirs and/or groundwater below average levels.
The companies reassured the NDG they are taking necessary actions such as changing how they operate their sources of water, spending more on tackling leakage, promoting water efficiency and offering additional services to customers.
Water companies set out specific activities including:
Last year the Environment Agency issued six drought permits, reviewing each application to ensure the environment was not put at risk. Defra and the Environment Agency urged water companies to act early in making any future applications as a fair assessment of the water needs of people, industry, and the environment takes time, as well as preparing for EU exit.
Agriculture
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has updated members on the dry start to the year and possible risks for the summer. Their main focus has been the East of England as the region has not shown strong signs of recovery yet.
The Environment Agency's flexible approach to abstraction for farmers will be updated shortly to include extending the refill season into April for winter storage reservoirs.
Conclusions and next steps
The NDG cautiously welcomed the recovery of water resources in many parts of England but acknowledged the ongoing dry weather may put pressure on farmers and the environment in the spring.
Water companies were positive that even if the dry weather continues over the coming months, they would not need to introduce any restrictions this summer. Water companies reassured the group that they are not being complacent, they continue to tackle leakage, review their operations and communicate with customers.
In the short to medium term, farmers and the environment face the biggest risks and those involved need to take action now to prepare for what could be a difficult summer.
"Through the NDG, members will need to work together to act early and mitigate these risks, the potential challenges from a cold snap and the changes from EU Exit".
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