The UK government warns of droughts continuing into 2012 if a dry winter continues. The environment secretary claimed there was a high chance of droughts in the coming summer due to lack of rain during spring this year. Heavy rainfall is required if water levels are to be restored in time for the New Year.
Anglian Water has been issued with a drought permit allowing it to refill two depleted reservoirs from rivers, in the hope that this will avoid any punitive measures having to be assumed, such as hosepipe bans. South East Water is also in the process of applying for a drought order to help it refill a reservoir with an estimated 12% or usable water remaining.
The Environment Agency highlighted the South East as being in particular danger of drought, due to the extremely low levels of rainfall that have been experienced by the region throughout the year. The agency also noted that central and eastern England, both being hit by low rainfall and a dry spring, were unlikely to be able to regain their full capacity before the summer.
Water Companies estimate that 50% of UK homes are at risk of facing drought in 2012. Thames Water warned that without at least average rainfall over the winter period they would have to consider bans on hosepipes and other water based luxuries during the Spring and Summer months. The concerned companies also include Veolia Water Central, Severn Trent, South East Water and Southern Water. Between them they cover 11million households out of a possible 22million nation-wide.
The idea of dry winters is likely to become a common one, according to the water companies and environmental experts who believe climate change will reduce rainfall in the UK. This affect is compounded by regulations preventing the use of river water in order to protect the wildlife, along with growing demand for water as the number of citizens in the country increase. Although from what we’ve seen here this morning this statement seems pretty hard to believe.
