11 May 2012

Environment Agency Removes Drought Status

The wettest April on record and continuing rainfall in May have significantly increased river and reservoir levels, reducing pressure on the environment and public water supplies in some parts of England, according to the Environment Agency.

These indicators have led the Environment Agency to remove the drought status for certain areas. Though it stressed that groundwater supplies remain low across the country.

The organisation said that South West England, the Midlands and parts of Yorkshire are no longer in drought due to the recent rainfall. It is unlikely that water companies will now impose hosepipe bans in these areas over the summer. Parts of East Anglia and South East England remain in drought, with water company restrictions in place on public water use.

The Met Office announced that last month was the wettest April since records began. The rainfall has restored many rivers and reservoirs, easing the pressure on the environment, and has been welcomed by farmers, gardeners and water companies.

The Environment Agency will continue to keep drought status under continuous review. It stressed that low groundwater levels remain a concern across England, with many still around 1976 levels and unlikely to return to normal levels before winter.

Dr Paul Leinster, Environment Agency Chief Executive, said: "Water resources across England and Wales are kept constantly under review. The recent record rainfall has eased pressure on water resources in some parts of England, helping levels in rivers and reservoirs to recover and providing relief to farmers, gardeners and wildlife.

"The Environment Agency will continue to keep a close eye on the situation. Low groundwater levels remain a concern across many parts of England, with many still at a similar level to those in 1976 and unlikely to return to normal levels before the winter. A return to a long period of dry weather would increase the risk again."

(CD)