Most river flows and groundwater levels are “below normal” or “particularly low” after a dry spring.
River flows are declining in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire as a result of the weather, which is having an adverse effect on both wildlife and river users.
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.
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 ensure that the situation is managed efficiently, it is collaborating with partners in the neighbourhood, such as internal drainage boards and water corporations.
Owners of extraction licences in the impacted areas can get a notification to limit how much water they can take.
Depending on the situation locally, this can include taking fewer doses or only abstracting at certain times.
Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire’s Thomas Enright, an Environment Agency drought manager, said:
We continue to monitor our key river, groundwater and reservoir sites using telemetry, and are liaising with water companies to understand any emerging concerns.
We are also working with farmers, businesses and other abstractors to manage water availability. We need to ensure that they get the water they need to be resilient while maintaining our protection of the environment.
We are closely monitoring the developing incident and produce regular reports on the water situation, available on www.gov.uk.
The Environment Agency has been keeping an eye on hydrology and weather forecasts in the days leading up to this declaration.
To see if the effects of the dry weather on the ecology have been detected, field teams have been busy sampling.
Additionally, they have been meeting with water firms to discuss any necessary action.
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.
Additional information
- The last time Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire moved to prolonged dry weather status was in July 2018.
- The last time Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire declared drought was in June 2011. This drought resulted from 7 to 8 months of exceptionally dry weather and lasted through to 2012. It was declared as an environmental drought.
- Our regulatory role involves issuing and regulating abstraction licences and drought permits. It also involves imposing abstraction restrictions and scrutinising water company drought plans to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose.
- Water companies plan for the expected increase in demand and reduction in effective rainfall over the warmer months and decide themselves on proposing water restrictions. We work closely with the companies to ensure they follow their drought plans.