| Environment
status quo will not solve the problem. This is a critical moment for our institution and for the state, and we have the tools, ideas, and systems to be of service.”
Significant risks In the UK, the National Drought Group said at the
end of last year that significant risks remain for water supplies and impacted sectors, despite an improving water resources situation in some parts of the country. Recent above average rainfall in October and November 2022 was described as being beneficial in wetting up soils, improving river flows, and recharging groundwater and refilling reservoirs. As a result, reservoir stocks across England were back up to around 68% capacity which led to some water companies revoking drought permit applications and removing restrictions such as temporary bans on hosepipes. Although improved reservoir and river levels led to
the West Midlands region moving from drought status to recovery, and Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire from prolonged dry weather to normal status, some reservoirs remain well below the levels expected at this time of year. These include: ● Colliford Reservoir in Cornwall (24% of capacity). ● Roadford Reservoir in Devon (43% of capacity). ● Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire (63% of capacity). If rainfall levels through the winter are 80% or less of the long-term average, National Drought Group projections show that currently depleted reservoirs and groundwater aquifers are unlikely to fully recover, and farmers would be concerned their water supply storage reservoirs may not fully refill. Large parts of the country could be at risk of drought continuing into the summer of 2023 – most notably in parts of the South West, South East, East Anglia, Yorkshire and East Midlands. In more severe rainfall scenarios,
the projections suggest drought conditions would be widespread, covering most of the country. “We cannot rely on the weather alone,” Environment Agency Executive Director and Chair of the National Drought Group, John Leyland, said. “If we are to avoid a worse drought next year, it will require action by us all. Early and precautionary planning must start now to manage the risks that this would bring.” As Water Minister Rebecca Pow added: “The
recent rainfall will be a relief for many, but we should approach the improving drought situation with cautious optimism. I urge water companies to continue to plan their water resources and take precautionary steps to ensure water resilience. This includes emphasising to the public that water shouldn’t be taken for granted.” The Environment Agency said that recent heavy rain and flooding, whilst most of England remains in drought, highlights how climate change is happening now. The country is seeing more extreme weather – in 2022 alone there were three named storms in a week, record-breaking temperatures and the joint hottest summer on record leading to a widespread drought. It warns that flooding and drought can occur at the same time, and it is essential to plan and prepare for increasingly extreme events. Indeed, the Environment Agency’s Chief Executive, Sir James Bevan, has set out how natural flood management must be a core part of the nation’s defence against flooding and climate change, and needs to be seen standing shoulder to shoulder with its programme of crucial bricks and mortar hard defences. “The warning signs of the climate crisis are stark – and sadly devastating flooding is likely to become a more familiar sight over the next century,” he said. “As we prepare for more extreme weather events,
f
www.waterpowermagazine.com | February 2023 | 35
Above: Flooding on the River Aire in Yorkshire, England. Devastating flooding is likely to become a more familiar sight over the next century
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