24/06/2005 - Southern
Water has applied to Defra for a Drought Order
to reduce the amount of water it currently
releases from Weir Wood Reservoir to the River
Medway from 5.4 megalitres per day to just
2.5 megalitres per day. We believe this reduction
to the water levels would put unacceptable
pressure on the environment along the upper
reaches of the River Medway and cause unnecessary
risk to wildlife.
The reservoir provides water for drinking
supplies for homes and businesses in Kent
and Sussex. In addition, the water released
from the reservoir into the Medway helps to
support the plant and animal life that lives
in and around the river.
Below average rainfall over the recent winter
and spring means that water levels across
the south are low. The River Medway is just
one river that is experiencing low flows.
It depends on water from the reservoir to
maintain enough flow to provide a good habitat
for fish and other wildlife. To make sure
the river remains healthy, we believe the
amount of water released from the reservoir
should not be less than 3.6 megalitres per
day.
We are opposing this level of reduction and
have informed the Secretary of State for the
Environment of our position.
Under normal circumstances, water companies
would ask us for permission to change the
amount of water they take or put back in to
rivers. However, in this case, we felt that
the effects of the change could have such
a significant impact that the Secretary of
State for the Environment should make the
final decision.
In this dry period, it is important for everyone
to use water wisely. We welcome Southern Water's
decision to impose a hosepipe ban in it’s
North Sussex area, as this will help conserve
water for drinking water and for wildlife.
Notes to editors:
Southern Water has had to apply for a Drought
Order after the Environment Agency refused
to grant a Drought Permit allowing the company
to cut flows to the river from the reservoir
to less than the minimum amount we are prepared
to accept - 3.6 megalitres per day.
