Water briefing for Environment Agency Board

The Environment Agency arranged visit to East Anglia for its board to discuss water resources and look at the complex infrastructure which is operated to support river flows, public water supply and the environment.

Kelly presented to the board and EA colleagues the challenges that are currently being faced by the agri sector. This includes the short-term and urgent challenges of the drought conditions and the need to ensure growers have access to water during the winter to be able to fill their winter storage reservoirs to support the crops next year.

She also highlighted longer term challenges that look at water for food production being seen as an essential water user and the need for support for water planning, infrastructure and investment to ensure we maintain and grow production, as is asked for in the Government’s food strategy.

Kelly said: “The visit provided a great opportunity to discuss the challenges and focus on the opportunities.

“We welcome the ability to work more closely together to ensure processes are aligned to support water resources for the agricultural sector, as is set out in our integrated water management strategy.”