EAST AGAINST THE ELEMENTS: Experts sound warning about East Anglia's water supply
Some parts of Suffolk remain in a drought status, after they were first placed there by the Environment Agency in August 2022
Last updated 25th Sep 2023
As part of our #EastAgainstTheElements investigation, environmental experts are telling us that Suffolk's water supply needs to become more resilient - to cope with rising demand.
It's as some parts of the county remain in a drought status, after they were first placed there by the Environment Agency in August last year.
Why is water security such a concern?
The East has long been known as one of the driest regions in the UK, in terms of rainfall, with many areas typically receiving less the 600mm in a given year.
Last year's summer was Norfolk's third driest on record and the effects of it are still being felt in North West Norfolk, North Norfolk Rivers and Broadland Rivers.
This comes even after a colder and unsettled spring and summer, which saw Norfolk get above average rainfall in May and swelter in 30C degrees plus, in September.
"By the time they get to Norfolk, there's no rain left"
Angela Terry is an environmental scientist and founder of the group, 'One Home':
"The problem with the East of England is that most of our rain comes in off the Atlantic. So, the rain clouds empty out as they travel across England and by the time they get to Norfolk, there's no rain left. That's why the East is much drier than the West"
"We have to get more resilient supply and that does involve things like making sure that everyone has water butts. But also making sure that water companies build reservoirs and that farmers don't waste it. This involves making sure that Farmers don't waste it as well, by irrigating in the peak sunshine"..
"River-flows, ecology and ground-water levels are affected"
Rob Bakewell is from the Environment Agency:
"Initially we see the impacts landing on the environment, and that's certainly the case with Norfolk at the moment. River-flows, ecology and ground-water levels are affected.
"Through the hotter periods and higher temperatures, water companies were reporting to us that they are seeing increasing demand at times. Last summer new records were set in some areas. So there's clearly things we can all do."
What's being done to tackle this?
Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:
"Drought conditions over the last year have been difficult for farmers and local wildlife in North Norfolk and last week’s meeting was important to hear first-hand from primary producers and environmental partners – particularly as the challenges surrounding water security continue to grow.
"Through our Plan for Water, we are funding more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment for farmers, securing significant investment in our water resilience, and are ensuring key water supply infrastructure can be built more quickly.
"Last week’s meeting highlighted the need for every sector to think about their water requirements for the future; and the need for collaboration both regionally and at catchment level on infrastructure needs."
Initiatives through the Government’s Plan for Water include:
A second round of the £10 million Water Management Grant to fund more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment.
A twin-track approach to improving water resilience, involving action to reduce water company leaks alongside investing in new supply infrastructure, including transfers.
Abstraction license decisions will become more flexible to support the changing needs of farmers, the economy and the environment in the context of climate change.
Improvements in water resources planning for agriculture to help farmers consider future needs and ensure better resilience to drought.
Modernising the abstraction system using technology to make processes more efficient, for example sending e-alerts to provide speedier notifications directly to farmers when water is available for abstraction.
On 8 June, the Government also announced over £30 million under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, which is helping pay for equipment such as rainwater harvesting butts to help tackle water scarcity.
What's next?
Anglian Water also say they're investing in new water storage and pipelines to tackle the issue.
You'll be hearing more from them and others this week as part of our #EastAgainstTheElements investigation.