Following a dry spring, areas of the rivers Great Ouse and Old Bedford in Bedfordshire and West Cambridgeshire had “below normal” river flows and some groundwater levels.
Long-term arid conditions occur naturally. It takes place as a result of persistently low rainfall.
Actions are done to minimise environmental damage and the potential of additional deterioration after extended dry weather is proclaimed.
River flows are declining in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire as a result of the weather, which is having an adverse effect on both wildlife and river users.
Groundwater levels, river flows, and soil conditions are just a few of the dry weather indicators that the Environment Agency has been keeping an eye on.
In order to safeguard fish populations, it also has teams prepared to respond to reports of low dissolved oxygen levels in watercourses.
Owners of extraction permits in the impacted areas are likely to get notification to limit the amount of water they take as per the terms of their permits.
Depending on the situation locally, this can include taking fewer doses or only abstracting at certain times.
Environment Agency drought manager Helen Smith in East Anglia said:
We are collaborating with water providers to identify any new problems as we continue to use telemetry to monitor our main river, groundwater, and reservoir locations.
In order to manage water availability and make sure that they receive the water they require to be resilient while upholding our commitment to environmental protection, we are also collaborating with farmers, businesses, and other abstractors.
We are actively following the unfolding problem and regularly update www.gov.uk with news on the water situation.
The Environment Agency has been keeping an eye on weather predictions, hydrology, and the effects on the environment in the run-up to this announcement.
To see if the effects of the dry weather on the ecology have been detected, field teams have been busy sampling.
In order to exchange information and propose that actions be implemented in accordance with the water companies’ drought strategies, we have also been meeting with them.
We can all do our share to manage this valuable resource and utilise water properly.
Use a bucket to wash the car or water the plants if you need to use water in the garden.
Another simple step is to add a trigger to your hose.
Visit Waterwise for additional water-saving advice.
Please contact the Environment Agency at any time at 0800 80 70 60 if anyone notices any negative effects on the environment as a result of the dry weather, such as distressed fish.