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Drought Has Been Declared In Parts Of The UK – Here's How It May Impact You
Drought conditions have been officially declared in more parts of the UK following a barrage of heatwaves and a dearth of wet weather. The announcement comes weeks after England’s National Drought Group gathered to discuss water availability, with summer projections ranging from “moderate to poor in parts of the country”.July has seen just 7% of its long-term average rainfall this year. Here’s where has been affected by drought so far, why, and how it might actually impact you. Where has drought been declared in the UK? Half of England has been declared in drought by the Environment Agency, owing to a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures.The seven areas in drought are: East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight.Devon and Cornwall, The West Midlands Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire)Drought has also been declared in parts of Wales, including: North Wales,The Upper Severn. These areas have received less than 2% of expected rainfall so far this month.In fact, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said parts of North Wales have gone without significant rain since 6 July.Why was drought declared? There are no official drought criteria in the UK.But the Environment Agency said that, in England, rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing, and millions of people are living under restrictions on water use.Some 78% of England’s rivers are now classified as below normal or lower. Rhian Thomas, a sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, added the prolonged “hot, dry weather” is now having “serious impacts on the environment”.“We have seen rivers fall to exceptionally low levels, groundwater continuing to decline, and increasing reports of environmental impacts affecting wildlife, fisheries, farming and sensitive habitats,” she added. Thomas also mentioned the recent wildfires that have taken place across North Wales and South East Wales, saying they prove how dry the areas have become.“While drought status does not automatically mean water shortages for customers, it does reflect the growing pressure being placed on our environment. We are asking everyone to play their part by using water wisely and helping to protect Wales’ natural resources during this exceptionally dry period.” How can droughts affect us?According to the UK government, drought may lead to: crop failure, and possibly higher food prices as a result (heatwaves have already affected UK potato yields), a higher fire risk, road and rail issues, as hot, dry weather can warp both,issues with tourist and recreation businesses that rely on water, i.e. boating and swimming, a higher risk of boats grounding, potentially affecting businesses, worse water quality “as pollutants and nutrients become more concentrated in low water levels”, problems with fish migration (a marine heatwave also places fish at risk), temporary and permanent species loss, reduced incomes and job security from affected businesses, Temporary usage bans (TUBs), more commonly known as hosepipe bans, are usually announced in anticipation of drought conditions or low water availability too. These have already affected millions across the UK.Additionally, the government said, drought can lead to “anxiety or depression caused by loss of income and or loss of recreational activities”. People urged to use less waterThe government has called on water companies to prioritise fixing leaks, while members of the public have been urged to take “small steps” to conserve water, such as turning off taps when brushing teeth or shaving, taking shorter showers, or fixing leaks at home. They added: “With everyone’s help in using a little less water and following restrictions, our current reserves should be enough for the coming months until the next period of sustained rainfall.”Related...Thames Water Just Announced A Hosepipe Ban For Over 10 Million BritsFour Steps A Horticulturist Takes To Hosepipe-Ban-Proof GardensEight Weeds Warning You About Drought-Prone Soil
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