On Friday, drought was declared in the Solent area and 7 other areas up and down the country. But what exactly does that mean for people and businesses here on the Isle of Wight?
The declarations were made after those in the UK have seen the driest summer for 50 years, with Environment Agency (EA) officials warning that some of the nation’s rivers and water sources are at their lowest level since records began with just 22.46mm of rainfall seen this summer.
This summer we have seen temperatures as high as 36c in the middle of July, then staying around the 30c mark ever since, with those in power forced to take desperate action to save the dwindling supply.
Whilst the change in drought status for affected regions does not automatically trigger action, it does mean that EA can ask water companies and the government to do things to protect essential water supplies.
Hosepipe bans, like the 1 currently enforced across the Island, are just 1 of the measures that may be taken long-term should the rate of rainfall continue to be so sparse. Things like drought orders may also be enforced, but very unlikely to be the case here on the Island.
Islanders and holidaymakers are now being urged to consider how much water they use, some of the easiest ways to reduce your usage include: swapping hoses for watering cans, taking shorter showers, not boiling the kettle more than is necessary and turning off the taps while brushing teeth.
A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said:
“In drought-affected areas, the public and businesses should be very mindful of the pressures on water resources and should use water wisely.
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Despite the change in the weather that we are seeing this week, the stress on our water sources, plants and wildlife, as a result, means that restrictions may well be enforced for a lot while longer.
Photo thanks to Isle of Wight Guru
Use water wisely? While billions of gallons flow into the sea every winter with no reservoirs to capture it. More is lost through a creaking pipe network. My message to Southern Water is get your act together and stop passing the buck to the paying public.
Totally agree. The sea hasn’t dried up so build desalination plants like other countries
“A lot while longer”
It means it aint rained and its bone dry.
Give it a few weeks of rain and we will be praying for the sun to show again after weeks of gloom and cold as the long Winter of misery begins.
Meanwhile dilapidated water mains that haven’t been maintained for years will continue to burst around the island.
We all need to not waste water????
I see that in France, there are protest against golf courses getting waterd, as some of the population are running out of drinking water.
ls the same thing happening here i wonder ?
If I want a cup of tea I will boil my kettle thank you.
Drought means nothing to st Helens Parish council chairman Mr Bacon Isle of Wight councillor for the environment, I asked him to turn off the water tap on the toilets at the beach and he refused along with all his fellow councillors it is obviously more important that people can wash down their dogs, children and paddle boards etc than it is to save water. They should all be ashamed of themselves.
One tap on one beach? Oh do calm down dear, the worlds not ending through this.
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF………….(jobsworth).
Out of curiosity, how many IW generations are you.
I don’t mind doing my bit however so should Southern water ,what I save you waste in leaks ,
I waste more water now then ever.
Rinsing out old yorgurt pots and other crap for recycleing.
It means save water wherever possible