DROUGHT 2012
Background
The south east of England is officially in drought. There is less water available than normal for the environment and people. This decision was made due to the combination of persistent dry weather, a continuing decline in water resources (groundwater levels and river flows), and an increasing risk to public water supplies and the environment. Many public water supply reservoirs are also much lower than normal for the time of year.
Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 8 of the past 12 months have seen below average rainfall and, despite a slightly wetter than average December, groundwater (underground water held in soil and rocks) levels are very low for this time of year. All groundwater levels at the Environment Agency's key observation boreholes were below average in February and at Preston Candover, and Clanville Lodge Gate, at the top of the River Itchen and Test catchments respectively, groundwater levels are classified as exceptionally low. Furthermore the flow in the River Test at Broadlands gauging station is also classified as exceptionally low.
What does it mean?
So far we have not yet seen significant impacts on the environment but if the dry weather continues we can expect to see low flows, lower dilution of effluent discharges and fish in distress. Algal blooms can form in lakes, ponds and slow moving water, which can kill fish and other aquatic life. Wetlands and plants on the edge of rivers can struggle to survive. And away from rivers, droughts affect natural vegetation and crops. These impacts can be made worse if we get hot weather.
Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East, have already announced water restrictions will be imposed from 5 April 2012.
Encouraging customers to use water wisely now will put companies in a better position for the summer and help to avoid further restrictions. The Environment Agency will continue to make sure that water companies are doing everything they can to reduce water demand, including implementing water saving campaigns and doing more to tackle leaks.
The restrictions in detail (South East water)
What can you do?
With the prospect that the drought could continue into the summer we can all do our bit by using water wisely. To save water at home and in the garden;
- Turn off taps when you brush your teeth, shave or wash your hands, as this can waste up to 6 litres of water per minute.
- Take a shower instead of a bath but be aware that power showers use more water than you may realise.
- Install a water saving device in your toilet cistern.
- When waiting for water to run hot or cold capture the running water in a jug for use on plants
- In the garden, use a watering can instead of a hosepipe and install a water butt if you can to capture rain.
- When mowing the lawn leave the grass cuttings down for a few days to retain moisture.
- Empty pets water bowls onto the garden instead of down the sink
As the situation develops it is important that we monitor drought impacts in the area. Members of the public should report any environmental incidents to the Environment Agency's 24 hour hotline - 0800 807 060. Examples of things you might see that need to be reported are:
- Green Coloured Water (algal bloom)
- Groups of fish clearly in distress 'gasping' at the water surface
- Evidence of dead or dying fish.
Where can I find out more information?
The Environment Agency's national Drought Prospects report was published on 12 March 2012. The report sets out the current water resource situation and gives an indication of drought prospects through spring and summer 2012. The whole of the south east and east Anglia are already in drought
Customer Service line 03708 506506, Incident Hotline 0800 807060, Floodline 0845 988 1188
The Drought Prospects report and all the latest information on the drought can be found on the Environment Agency's website at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/drought/
