As the National Drought Group (NDG) classified the current water shortage in England as a nationally significant incident, growers pointed out that the challenging weather is adding to the numerous other challenges the industry faces, such as increased costs.
Five areas are officially in drought (Yorkshire; Cumbria and Lancashire; Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire; East Midlands; and West Midlands), while six more are experiencing prolonged dry weather following the driest six months to July since 1976. Helen Wakeham, chair of the NDG (which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the NFU, and conservation organisations) and Environment Agency Director of Water, said, “The current situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment.”
The Environment Agency has increased compliance checks for abstractors, and monitoring of river and groundwater levels. It has also requested voluntary reductions in water use from farmers in East Anglia to delay formal restrictions.
“British farmers and growers continue to face extremely dry conditions, with harvest underway and crop yields proving mixed across the country,” said NFU vice president, Rachel Hallos. “Some farms are reporting a significant drop in yields, which is financially devasting for the farm business and could have impacts for the UK’s overall harvest.”
Farmers have reported mixed harvest results, with cereals, oilseed rape, potatoes, and soft fruit among the crops hit by the combination of heat stress and restricted irrigation. In some areas, growth is stunted and fruit size reduced, while vegetable producers face shorter picking windows as crops wilt more quickly.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said the government is working with the NDG to manage the situation. “Working with the National Drought Group, the government is urgently stepping up its response to ensure we are successfully managing the impacts of ongoing dry weather. Water companies must now take action to follow their drought plans. I will hold them to account if they delay,” she said. “We face a growing water shortage in the next decade. That’s why we are pushing ahead with root and branch reform under our Plan for Change, which includes £104 billion of private investment to build nine reservoirs and new pipes to cut leaks.”
