08/02/2006 - The driest
January for almost a decade is not causing
any serious water shortage problems in the
South West, according to the Environment
Agency. The South East and central southern
England had already suffered the fourth
driest year on record last year and the
driest year since 1973.
The driest counties, Hampshire, Sussex,
Surrey, Middlesex and Kent, have received
only 70 per cent of normal rainfall in the
past 15 months.
Some parts of southern England and Wales
had less than half of their average rainfall
in January.
But the South West is not facing the same
difficulties.
‘There is a possibility of serious drought
across the South East but in the South West
we are not currently experiencing the same
sort of problems,’ said Lynsay McLean, from
the Environment Agency.
‘Reservoirs and groundwater levels are
within normal ranges and there is no cause
for concern at this stage.’
Total reservoir storage is 74.9 per cent
compared to 79 per cent at this time last
year, and river levels reflect the recent
dry weather.
‘There is a risk of shortages should this
period of low rainfall extend through the
summer and into early spring. It should
be remembered that drought is a natural
phenomenon and we will continue to monitor
levels, keep people informed and where appropriate
act to mitigate the impact of drought,’
she added.
River and groundwater levels are low because
of the lack of rainfall but water supplies
are unaffected.
However, with soils now very dry, a dry
February and March could see significant
environmental stress including poor water
quality, less oxygen in the water, fish
mortality and algal blooms.
Rainfall totals for January to date range
from 19.8 per cent in Newton Poppleford
to 51.3 per cent in Penryn, with total reservoir
storage at 74 per cent compared to 79 per
cent at this time last year.
For example, Colliford reservoir is 61
per cent full, Roadford stands at 69 per
cent full and Wimbleball at 81 per cent.
