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.
The forecast for the rest of July and into August is for the dry warm conditions to persist, so it is unlikely to see major changes in the restrictions that are in force now over the period.
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.
As a reminder the Cambridgeshire Agricultural Water Resilience Grant scheme is now available and a webinar outlining the scheme is happening on 20 July. Book your place here.