WATER SHORTAGE WORRIES RISE

Releasing the Drought Prospects Report - Spring Update, the Environment Agency again warned that with a hot dry summer, and possibly the most serious drought in the past 100 years, there is a real risk of standpipes being introduced in parts of south east England later this year.

"This is not just a problem for water companies - people and businesses must take this warning seriously and act to save more water," David King, Director of Water Management at the Environment Agency said.

"Despite some reservoirs being close to full, more than 70% of the public water supply in the south east comes from groundwater - where in some areas, levels are the lowest on record. Over the last 18 months rainfall has been much lower than during the 1974-76 drought, and has been very similar to the serious drought of 1932-34.

"But we're concerned the message may not be sinking in. Even if we're aware of the seriousness of this drought we can all be doing more to minimise the impact of water shortages on people, the economy, and the environment."

In its report, the Environment Agency calls on:

- Thames Water to step up action to reduce demand for water. London's water supply remains at risk this summer and Thames Water should apply for a drought order immediately to restrict water use for non-essential activities, as any further delay will increase the risk of standpipes later in the year.

-Essex and Suffolk Water to introduce a hosepipe ban by the end of May to reduce the risk of supply problems later in the year. Without restrictions in place, reservoir levels could drop very quickly.

- All water companies in the south east to work hard to manage drought this year by providing clear information on how people and businesses can save water, applying for non-essential use bans to restrict some uses of water, and putting more effort into finding and fixing leaks.

The recommendations follow a report in February where the Environment Agency called on all water companies in the south east to introduce hosepipe bans to help avoid more extreme measures, such as standpipes and rota cuts. It also recommended other actions needed by companies and people to minimise the impact of drought on water supplies and the environment this summer.

"Most water companies have made progress on the actions we recommended in February. Hosepipe bans have been introduced, drought orders to ban non-essential use of water are being considered, and more information about the drought and water saving is being provided to customers," Dr King said.

"But reservoirs and groundwater levels are starting to drop, and those water companies who have not acted to introduce hosepipe bans or reduce the demand for water are putting water supplies at an even greater risk.

"We all have a part to play in saving water. It's not just about water companies managing water supplies carefully - people and businesses need to use water sensibly too."

Dr King said as a result of two dry winters, this summer there would be more environmental problems, such as fish deaths and algal blooms because of low river levels and possibly restrictions on spray irrigation.

Since October 2005 (as of 8 May 2006), south east England has received about 390mm of rain, or 85% of the average. The long term average for this period is 450mm. Heavy rainfall last week increased river flows for a few days but makes little difference to the long term position.

The drought is most severe in south east England. However, most of England and Wales has had a dry winter - only northern England has approached average rainfall.

The drought is starting to affect Norfolk and Suffolk, with low groundwater levels and low river flows. Water companies in the east of England are monitoring the situation carefully and should be prepared to take further steps to manage supply and demand if the drought intensifies.

With hot, dry weather the drought will spread into other areas. The east of England and the south Midlands are most vulnerable, but reservoir levels in Wales and the south west could also drop quickly this summer. Northern England is at no higher risk from drought than normal.

The Drought Prospects Report - Spring Update is available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk