Dry conditions continue to affect farmland across England as more than 70% of the country remains in drought
Nearly three quarters of England remains in drought despite this week’s rainfall, with farmers continuing to face pressure from exceptionally dry soils, low river flows and depleted water resources.
The National Drought Group met again on Thursday (27 August) to assess conditions across England, with 71.3% of the country currently classed as being in drought.
There were no changes to official drought statuses, and officials warned that the recent rain has done little to reverse months of exceptionally dry weather.
Rainfall in August so far stands at just 34% of the amount normally expected by this point in the month.
There are also major regional differences, ranging from 15% of the long-term average in south-east England to 59% in north-east England.
Some parts of the country received their first meaningful rainfall since June this week, but several drought-hit areas saw comparatively little.
The Environment Agency said a sustained period of rainfall will be needed before dry soils are sufficiently replenished to support groundwater recharge and improve underlying river flows.
River conditions remain particularly concerning, with 58% of flows classed as notably or exceptionally low for the time of year.
Some catchments recorded modest increases following recent rainfall, but those improvements are expected to be short-lived as wetter conditions ease.
Reservoir storage has also fallen to 59.8%, which is 18.2 percentage points below the level normally expected at this time of year.
The Environment Agency remains especially concerned about the River Severn and has applied to Defra for a Drought Order to reduce the amount of water companies can abstract from the river.
The application remains under consideration.
Water Minister Emma Hardy, who chaired the latest National Drought Group meeting, said: “We know this summer's hot and dry weather has been challenging, and the recent rainfall, while welcome, is nowhere near enough to end the current drought.
“Our climate has changed and we will continue to take all action necessary to support communities facing these pressures of both drought and flash flooding.
“As we approach autumn, we expect water companies to take every available step to minimise leakage, follow their drought plans, and reduce consumption to help avoid any further restrictions.”
Water companies also discussed efforts to reduce leakage, which can increase during hot weather as pipes move in dry soil.
The meeting heard updates on measures being taken to reduce leaks and encourage lower water consumption.
Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy warned that short spells of wetter weather would not be enough to materially improve the drought position.
He said: “A few days or even weeks of wetter weather cannot reverse the impacts of several months of exceptionally dry conditions.
“Drought conditions will continue to worsen until we receive sustained rainfall across the country and we still all have a role to play in conserving precious water supplies.”
The Environment Agency has recorded 266 incidents linked to drought, including algal blooms, low river flows and fish deaths.
Reports of fish in distress have also increased in recent months.
Members of the public concerned about fish welfare or dry rivers are being urged to contact the Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 rather than attempting to move fish themselves.
Mr Duffy added: “Small steps will leave more in the environment for our wildlife, our local rivers, and our farmers who are still struggling with the drought impacts.”
The dry conditions are being complicated by intense thunderstorms, which have caused surface water flooding in some areas.
The Environment Agency said heavy rain falling on compacted, dry soils can increase flood risk because the ground is less able to absorb water.
Mr Duffy said: “Today’s yellow thunderstorm warnings show it’s possible to experience simultaneous drought and flood as heavy rain falls on compacted soils.”
Ten water companies in England have imposed restrictions affecting around 30 million customers.
They are Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Bristol Water, Cambridge Water, Essex & Suffolk Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, South West Water and Wessex Water.
Southern Water has also applied for two Drought Orders.
One would allow it to maintain normal abstraction rates from the River Test during low flows, while the second relates to a ban on non-essential water use. Both applications are being considered by Defra.
Drought conditions currently cover East Anglia, Hertfordshire and London, the Thames Valley, Devon and Cornwall, Wessex, the West Midlands, East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and the Solent and South Downs.
Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, the North East and Yorkshire remain in prolonged dry weather.