DIRE WARNING ON WATER

October and so far, November have seen more rain fall than the same period last year but the previous 11 months have been the driest November to September period for more than a quarter of a century. Less than three-quarters of the average rainfall fell during an exceptionally dry year leaving rivers with low flows and groundwater levels approaching long term minimum levels.

The Met Office's latest long-range forecast suggests that the winter months of 2005-2006 will be the coldest in the last decade, and could be drier than average. But a repeat of last winter's low rainfall could lead to a serious drought next summer. This could cause widespread environmental damage and lead to restrictions on water use. Managing water supplies through 2006 and into 2007 could be one of the biggest tests for water companies and the Environment Agency in decades.

To protect wildlife habitats in streams and rivers, we could see restrictions on garden watering and non-essential uses of water early next year. Water companies could have to apply for more drought permits and drought orders to allow them to take additional water from rivers to supplement existing sources of water.

David Howarth, the Environment Agency's regional drought manager for Kent Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight said:

"While thirty-seven percent of people questioned in a recent Environment Agency survey said that they tried to use as little water as they could, this leaves sixty three percent who aren't making a concerted effort to reduce their water use. To leave us in the best possible situation for next year it is essential that everyone in the region does their bit to minimise water use. We don't know yet what this winter will bring, but everyone can help to safeguard water supplies for next year.

"Simple things like mending dripping taps and only running the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load, turning off the tap while brushing teeth and collecting rainwater for the garden can all help make a difference to the amount of water we use and how much is left in rivers and reservoirs for next year."