Recent heavy rain can’t stop counties from drought status

BRISTOL, Somerset, Dorset, South Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire joined Somerset in moving to drought status on Tuesday, August 30.

It comes after the region has seen some of the driest conditions in almost 90 years. The agency says that recent rainfall has not been sufficient to compensate for the long dry period in recent months.

Although essential water supplies are safe, Defra and the Environment Agency are urging water companies to continue with their precautionary planning to protect essential supplies in the event of a dry autumn.

In the Wessex area, the effects of drought are resulting in low river flows impacting the environment in and around rivers.

The Government expects water companies to take wider action alongside its existing policy.

Chris Paul, the Environment Agency’s area drought lead, said: “Despite some heavy rain over the past two weeks, it has not been enough to refill our rivers and aquifers.

“River levels across our Wessex area are exceptionally low - many showing the lowest flows on record.

“This places incredible strain on local wildlife and this is why we are moving to drought status. We are prioritising our local operations to minimise impacts on the environment.”

The prolonged dry weather has led to the agency carrying out fish rescues and working with water firms and increasing its river monitoring work.