Water restrictions will be likely in spring 2019 if winter rainfall is below average, as more than 300 dry-weather environmental incidents were recorded in summer.
The National Drought Group (NDG) have assessed the latest situation and agreed actions needed to reduce the risk of water restrictions and protect the environment, and the agricultural industry, next year.
Members of the NDG, organisations affected by and responding to the risk of drought, heard that a number of water companies still have very low reservoir levels.
The current environmental situation is said to be fragile and dependent on good rainfall over the autumn and winter period.
The dry summer had a significant impact on water supplies and agriculture, with the Environment Agency responding to 314 dry weather related incidents over summer – more than 3 times the usual amount.
Despite the recent rainfall, which has provided respite to rivers and farmers, the water resources situation has not yet returned to normal.
At the end of August, overall reservoir stocks were at 65 per cent. The NDG heard that if winter rainfall is below average, water restrictions on water company customers are likely in spring 2019.
Tough for farmers
The summer has been tough on farmers. The Environment Agency responded by providing help with decisions on allowing more water to farmers through August by approving 88 changes to licences to help farmers get more water.
Efforts to conserve water and recent rain has helped to stabilise water levels, easing pressure on the environment and agricultural sector
But the full impact of the summer heatwave is yet to be felt, with a delay on damage to some species and crops.
With very dry soils, especially in the south east of England, there may be a delay refilling groundwater aquifers and reservoirs over the coming months.
A delay in recharge may mean the farming industry starts spring 2019 with below average groundwater levels, increasing the risk of drought in the east and south east of England next summer.
