Environmental experts have warned that droughts could remain in parts of the UK until next spring.
The National Drought Group has stated that average rainfall levels over winter will not be enough to avoid drought or drought-like conditions over the next year. During a meeting shared by Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan, members looked at projections for dry autumn and winter and its effect on the water, agriculture, and environment sectors next year.
A number of water companies suggested that drought or drought-like conditions will stay in place beyond spring in areas such as the South West, South East, East, Yorkshire, and the East Midlands - as long as rainfall remains at below-average levels. The group - made up of senior decision-makers from the Environment Agency, government, water companies, and key farming and environmental groups - said that action may need to be taken up to prepare for next year's spring and summer.
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Mr Bevan said: “Our lives, livelihoods and nature all depend on one thing - water. Climate change and population growth mean we need to take action now to ensure we have enough over the coming decades to manage everyday supplies, and more intense drought events.
“We have a plan to do that and delivering it will require all of us to work together – government, water companies, regulators, farmers and businesses, and each of us as individuals. The Environment Agency is determined to do its part.”
While some water companies expect water resources to recover either to normal or recovering conditions by spring, several companies predicted that some supply areas will remain in drought regardless of whether average rainfall is seen or not. NDG members also heard that all sectors must plan for all scenarios while continuing to use water wisely and maximise access to water for all sectors and the environment.
Water Minister Trudy Harrison said: “The record-breaking temperatures, unusually low rainfall and widespread drought the country has experienced this year are a reminder that we need to adapt to ensure our water supplies are resilient and secure in future. The work of the National Drought Group is ensuring that we can manage down the risk of continuing drought conditions so that the impact is less severe for all of us.”
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