For those abstractors with the Denver condition in their licence around the South Level, a full cessation was introduced on 11 July following a period of voluntary restrictions, as water levels continue to decrease.
Other areas in Norfolk and Suffolk have also seen cessations come into force, as well as in parts of the South East.
Anglian Water introduced a TUB (temporary use ban) from 11 July, following South East Water in Kent, Cambridge Water across its supply area and Southern Water in its Hampshire and Isle of Wight areas.
TUBs cover domestic use of hosepipes for watering gardens or washing cars for example, but not business use and not specifically for agricultural land and land used by a business for growing any crops, fruits, vegetables or other plants for sale or commercial use. They also do not cover washing tractors or agricultural vehicles.
Spray irrigation restrictions introduced
Following on from the letters by the EA (Environment Agency) to abstractors in parts of Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk asking for voluntary restrictions, notices requiring Section 57 restrictions on surface water spray irrigation went out from Monday 10 August.
The EA says that groundwater licences in those areas impacted by Section 57 restrictions will not be affected.
Most notices will require a 50% reduction at this stage except for the river Wensum where exceptional conditions mean that a 100% reduction is required.
The EA is monitoring the situation closely and, if the current hot, dry weather conditions continue, may move to 100% reductions in the catchments listed. If the situation improves, it will look to remove restrictions as soon as possible.
These notices enable the emergency variation of licences for spray irrigation purposes under Section 57 of the Water Resources Act 1991 which is a power exercised by the EA typically in prolonged dry weather / drought situations.
The activities excluded from the restrictions are:
- Trickle irrigation
- Irrigation using water collected in winter storage reservoirs
- Water used to supply pot grown plants which are unable to take moisture from the soil;
- Irrigation of crops in glasshouses or polytunnel
If your licence allows you to spray irrigate and use water for another purpose, such as vegetable washing, the Section 57 restriction would only apply to your spray irrigation abstraction. More information on section 57 restrictions.
Catchments affected by S57 restrictions are:
- Blackwater
- Bure
- Butley, Tidal Alde, and Ore
- Can and Roxwell Brook
- Chelmer
- Colne
- Deben
- Fynn and Lark
- Glaven
- Lower Stour and Brett
- Mun and coast
- Stiffkey
- Tas
- Ter
- Waveney
- Wensum
- Wid
- Yare
Abstractors can check with the EA via [email protected] if they think they may be affected.
Abstractors within water abstractor groups, such as NEFF or ESWAG, can contact their lead for further information and advice. Additionally NFU members who need support can contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
NFU calls for water resources investment
National Water Resources Specialist Mark Betson said: “‘We are seeing another exceptionally dry spring and summer developing, with water levels falling in many rivers and streams prompting cessations to come into force on some abstractors’ licences.
“This coincides with the peak in irrigation periods for some and these cessations can pose a real risk to their businesses unless they have access to sufficient stored water.
“We are continuing to campaign for more support for farms to invest in water storage for the future and, working with the EA, water companies and IDBs, to improve communications around cessations and make maximum use of any available water for abstractors.”
Mark said it was important for abstractors to understand any conditions they have on their licence and, if they have a hands-off-flow condition, when that is likely to be triggered.
Current details on river flows and levels can be found on the Defra supported site Hydrology Data Explorer.