Drought declared in south-east England

The south-east of England is officially in drought, Defra has announced.

The region joins parts of eastern England, where producers have been battling extremely dry conditions since last summer.

Speaking after today’s drought summit, environment secretary Caroline Spelman said: “Ensuring we have enough water this summer is vitally important.

"Drought is already an issue this year with the South East, Anglia and other parts of the UK now officially in drought, and more areas are likely to be affected as we continue to experience a prolonged period of very low rainfall.

"It is not just the responsibility of Government, water companies and businesses to act against drought. We are asking for the help of everyone by urging them to use less water and to start now.”

Following the summit, Thames Water warned that there was a high chance of water restrictions such as hosepipe bans this summer, unless there was significant rainfall or customers used less water.

The North West and Scotland have seen substantial rainfall this winter.

Ms Spelman said the Government had been urged to build a pipeline to supply the south east, but added water is ‘heavy and costly to transport’.

Following the summit, the CLA called on the Government to ensure agriculture is given priority for scarce water resources to prevent food shortage.

CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “Agriculture is under incredible pressure as a result of the lack of rain through the winter. Other sectors have statutory powers and priority over agriculture, but to ensure food and environmental security it is vital we are given our fair share of water.

"The Government needs to think about extending permitted development rights to build on-farm reservoirs. This could make a real difference during any drought, particularly using flexible abstraction licenses to allow efficient recharge of reservoirs.

"Our members in the Eastern region are seriously concerned about the potential for drought this summer. We are pleased the Secretary of State is trying to address the issue at this early stage but it is absolutely essential that farmers get a fairer allocation of water now.”

In early March the Environment Agency will publish its latest drought prospects report, which sets out the areas that are likely to be affected by drought in spring and summer 2012.

The report aims to help water companies, farmers and other water abstractors plan for the year ahead, and sets out clear actions that these groups should take to help manage the country’s valuable water supplies.