Following significant rainfall over recent weeks, preparations for a River Test Drought Permit have now been stopped according to Southern Water.
River Test flows have remained above our ‘60-Day’ trigger level (25 days until the possible need to apply for a drought permit) for more than 2 months since they originally dropped in early August.
From October 1st-6th, the River Test received around 100mm of rain, which is 125% of the month’s long-term average and since then the month has gone on to receive between 175% and 235% of its long term average rainfall overall, with some of the higher totals falling in Hampshire.
Water Resources Policy and Regulation Manager at Southern Water, Nigel Hepworth said:
“We’d like to thank all of our customers in Southampton and the surrounding area for being careful with their water use throughout the year.
“As a result of their considerate water use and recent rainfall, we’ve now agreed with the Environment Agency to formally stand-down our preparations for a drought permit, as there is no risk we’ll need one this winter. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We’ll need to check where things are at the end of this winter and keep our customers informed.”
It is the UK, whist we could be forgiven for thinking at times that we are now in a different continent, rain fall shows us we are still ‘here’