Living in the UK: All about Water (and Droughts)
In mid-August this year (2022), drought status was declared in parts of the UK. What does this mean for us? Could there be water rationing? And now that there is rain and even flooding, does this mean that the drought has ended?
Unfortunately, not yet.
Due to reduced average rainfall in England and Wales this year, and the heatwaves in July, the Environment Agency (EA) reported that some rivers were at their lowest levels ever recorded. As rainfall, river flows, groundwater levels, reservoir levels, dryness of the soil, and usage all impact on water security, in such a condition, it will take sustained rainfall to replenish the water supplies.
So, where are the affected areas?
EA has confirmed drought status in Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Kent and South London, Herts and North London, East Anglia, Thames, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, and East Midlands.
The Guardian also reported that the West Midlands and Yorkshire were expected to be included in the coming weeks.
Image on the left: “Where has a drought been declared in England, and what does it mean?”, BBC (2022)
What will happen if I live in a Drought area?
The good news is that all water providers across the UK said that essential water supplies were still secure. For now, drought status measures just means that water supply companies will kick-start their pre-agreed drought plans to plan ahead and also secure future water supply. And you might already see precautionary actions, like Temporary Use Bans, implemented in some areas:
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (Southern Water): a hosepipe ban began on 5 August.
Kent and Sussex (South East Water): a ban on hosepipes and sprinklers started on 12 August.
Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthen (Welsh Water): a hosepipe ban to start on 19 August
Yorkshire Water announced a ban, which will start on 26 August
Thames Water also declared that it will impose a ban "in the coming weeks" (Source: BBC)
A hosepipe ban usually means that you cannot use hosepipes, or anything that connects to a hosepipe, or an outside tap. So watering your garden, washing your car, or filling up a pool with a hosepipe would be a no-no. (And you can be fined if you break the rule.) But there are also regional variations and exceptions to the rules. So, for accurate information for the water bans in your town, it is best that you find out more directly from your water supplier's website:
For England and Wales: List of water providers
For Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Water
For Scotland: Scottish Water
What can we do?
While whether it rains is something beyond our control, there are still things we can do to help improve water security across the UK. For example, we can:
a. Downsize water usage: if you previously wash your car or water your garden with a hosepipe, consider using a bucket and sponge, or a watering can instead.
b. Use water more effectively: Scottish Water recommended watering your plants early in the morning or late in the evening, so less water will be lost to evaporation and your plants can get more water to their roots. And you can use your washing machine or dishwashers in their eco-settings only when you have a full load.
c. Shorten the water running time: switch from bath to showers, and take shorter showers. You can also start washing your vegetables in a bowl instead of under running water.
d. Store rainwater for your garden: is it raining outside right now? If so, this is the perfect time to collect rainwater for your garden! You can learn how to make your own free mini waterbutt from Northern Ireland Water.
Has the drought issue impacted you personally? Or do you have some special ways to conserve water use? Write in and let us know!
