Drought Order set for River Severn
If granted, the Order would reduce the minimum amount of water required by law in the River Severn, which is regulated year-round by releases from Llyn Clywedog and Lake Vyrnwy reservoirs, as well as groundwater sources.
It would also apply an initial 5% reduction in the amount of water which can be abstracted by the local water company Hafren Dyfrdwy.
The Environment Agency in England has also applied for a related Drought Order for the Severn in England.
It is the first time a Drought Order has been applied for on the Severn for 37 years (1989) – highlighting the severity of the situation caused by the drought this summer.
Huwel Manley, Head of Operations from NRW, said: “With a succession of intense heatwaves and record-breaking dry weather, the toll on the environment is clear for everyone to see.
“This drought order will be the latest of many measures we’ve had to take to ensure our rivers stay as healthy as they can and continue to support the ecosystems that rely on them.
“At times like this water is a precious resource. Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most. We’re urging people to follow the advice of water companies and find out what they can do to use water more efficiently to help protect supply levels for people and nature.”
Reservoir storage levels which feed the Severn are declining rapidly. The proposed Drought Orders by the regulators are designed to stretch the available water over a longer period.
This would avoid reservoir reserves being completely exhausted, with any sudden flow changes causing irreparable harm to the ecology and migratory fish in the Severn.
The orders would be in place for up to six months, and the environment and reservoir levels should recover once normal rainfall returns.
The whole of Wales remains in drought following the driest July since records began 190 years ago.
As of August 16, Wales had only received 7% of the expected rainfall, with some river and ground water levels now reaching historic lows.
NRW expects water companies to follow their drought plans and use Temporary Use Bans in a timely manner to protect supplies for people and the environment.
Teams continue to respond to environmental incidents relating to the dry weather including dry river beds, fish in distress, algal blooms and a number of significant wildfires which have devastated landscapes.
Officers are also undertaking compliance checks to ensure those with abstraction licences are not exceeding the required limits.
People are encouraged to continue to use water wisely to help keep the environment healthy. Information and advice about how to save water is available from Let’s Save Water – a campaign backed by regulators and water companies.
PICTURE: From Lake Vyrnwy's Facebook page, posted earlier this week.
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