The Environment Agency has reported that large areas across the east and south east are experiencing a period of prolonged dry weather on top of unusually dry conditions last winter and spring.
Above average rainfall is now needed over the coming months. Currently, drier conditions mean that ‘hands-off flow’ conditions have been activated on some abstraction licences for the filling of winter storage reservoirs in parts of the east and south east.
While there is time for the situation to change, it is sobering to think that abstraction is being constrained at this time of year. The NFU is urging licence holders to contact the Environment Agency sooner rather than later if they think their abstraction licences could benefit from a ‘health check’.
You can monitor the water resources situation in your area by reading the Environment Agency's monthly reports.
Paul Hammett, NFU water specialist, said: "There will normally be a combination of strategies for farmers to consider. Firstly, think about how much water is available from different sources and how the best use can be made of it. Secondly, consider discussing abstraction licences with the Environment Agency to find ways of making them as flexible to use as possible. Finally, and depending on the severity of the risk, review opportunities for additional coping strategies like trading water and renegotiating existing contracts.”
"In some cases, the business may have changed to the point where the licence is no longer fit for purposes, particularly during a spell of dry weather. An informal discussion with the Agency now about the potential for changing licence conditions, such as extending the licensed abstraction season for ‘winter’ licences, could pay dividends in the longer term.
"With formal changes to licences taking up to four months to process, prompt action is recommended."
Stuart Sampson, water manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Despite the wet summer, recent months have been much drier than average in the south east which means that water companies will be advising their customers to use water wisely and considering action to preserve and enhance water supplies.
"The Environment Agency is actively working with water companies, business and farmers to balance the needs of water users and our teams are ready to respond to potential impacts of dry weather on people, the environment and wildlife."