Drought declared, but no hosepipe bans yet
SINCE 1911
THE whole of Leicestershire, along with other parts of England, is officially in a drought.
The announcement comes after the county’s driest July in more than a century.
The National Drought Group decision, which also affects the rest of the East Midlands, the South West and the east of England, could lead to measures such as hosepipe bans, although the Environment Agency has reassured the public that essential water supplies are safe.
But Severn Trent, which supplies water in Leicestershire, has said there is no need for a pipe ban yet.
The National Drought Group includes representatives of water companies, the Environment Agency, the government and the National Farmers’ Union.
Water minister Steve Double said: “All water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe, and we have made it clear it is their duty to maintain those supplies.
“We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and take further action as needed.”
Being in a drought means that the demand for water is higher than the supply available.
But while reservoirs hold water – and Severn Trent’s are about 60 per cent full on average – water companies can avoid imposing restrictions.
Severn Trent says its customers are doing a good job of minimising usage.
In a text message to customers yesterday, Severn Trent said: “Since we last spoke we have not had any decent rain and experienced the driest July in over a century!
“With low rainfall and the sunshine here to stay, please stay hydrated and continue to use water wisely.”
Commenting on the drought announcement, a Severn Trent spokesman said: “We are not in a hosepipe ban in our region and today’s news doesn’t change this.
“As the summer sunshine continues, there’s naturally a greater demand for water, so our teams are working around the clock to keep the network in good shape.
“Our region has experienced the driest July in a century and with no rainfall in the forecast, we’re asking people to be mindful of their water use, as small behavioural changes can add up to a big difference. We’d like to thank all our customers for their continued support as the warm and dry weather continues into the summer.”
The company is urging people to reuse paddling pool water to put on plants, to keep cold water in a jug in the fridge instead of running the cold tap until it gets cool enough, and only running dishwashers and washing machines when they are full.
Temperatures in Leicestershire are expected to reach highs above 30C every day until Monday. Last month, which saw record temperatures of almost 40C recorded in the county, was the driest July since 1911.
Many areas of England haven’t had any rain during the first 12 days of August, threatening farm crops, increasing the likelihood of grass fires and endangering life in lakes and rivers. Among recent blazes was a suspected arson attack in Aylestone Meadows on Wednesday which burned through a large area of dry undergrowth.
Elsewhere, four water companies, Welsh Water, Southern Water, Thames Water, and South East Water have all imposed hosepipe bans, while Yorkshire Water has announced a ban will start on August 26.
ANNOUNCEMENT COMES AFTER THE COUNTY’S DRIEST JULY