Press Briefing: Summer Drought
NERC June 2005
Rainfall in England and Wales over the past seven months is the lowest it has been for 30 years according to the latest figures released this week from the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme, which is run by the Centre for Hydrology & Ecology and the British Geological Survey. And it is the second lowest November - May recorded rainfall since 1943/44.
Although we are unlikely to see a return of the combination of hot and dry weather conditions we had during the summer of 1976, parts of southern England, particularly the south-east, are already experiencing a drought.
Groundwater levels vary across the country but, with the exception of the south east, they are at fairly normal levels for this time of year. River flows in some southern rivers - for example the Medway - are close to a record minimum for the early summer.
Even with average rainfall, flows in many southern rivers will continue to decline into the autumn months. This could have severe impacts on the environment and on wildlife. If rivers, streams and wetlands begin to dry up, the fish, plants, birds and mammals that rely on these watery environments for habitats and food, cannot survive.
But the problem could be longer-term. If we have another dry winter this year, the implications for summer 2006 could be far more serious.
Notes for editors
The May 2005 Hydrological Summary is available only on subscription but much of the information is routinely posted on to the web - see here. A pdf of the full summary can be sent to journalists - contact either the CEH or NERC press office (details below).
BGS and CEH scientists can provide expert information on a number of drought related subjects including groundwater, river flows, environmental stress and climate change. If you need to find someone who can provide such information or be available for interview please contact one of the following press officers:
British Geological Survey
Hilary Heason
tel: 0115 936 3497
e-mail: hjhe@bgs.ac.uk
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Barnaby Smith, tel: 07920 295384
e-mail: cehpress@ceh.ac.uk
Natural Environment Research Council
Marion O'Sullivan, tel: 01793 411727 mobile: 07917 086369 or
Owen Gaffney, tel: 01793 442629 mobile: 07747 564305 or
e-mail: pressoffice@nerc.ac.uk
Further information - the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme
Monthly water resource assessments are produced from the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme operated jointly by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the British Geological Survey.
The National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (NHMP) was instigated in 1988. The programme relies on the active co-operation of measuring authorities throughout the UK.
Financial support for the production of the Monthly Hydrological Summaries of the UK is provided by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency (EA), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Rivers Agency (Northern Ireland), and the Office of Water Services.
Data sources for the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme
Most rainfall data is provided by the Met Office. River flow and groundwater level data are provided by the Environment Agency, the Environment Agency Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and for Northern Ireland, the Rivers Agency and the Department of the Environment (NI). Reservoir level information is provided by the water service companies, the EA, Scottish Water and the Northern Ireland Water Service. This information contributes to the National River Flow Archive (maintained by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) and the National Groundwater Level Archive (maintained by the British Geological Survey).
British Geological Survey
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is the world's longest established national geological survey and the UK's premier centre for earth science information and expertise. It contributes to the scientific understanding of the environmental conditions, natural resources and hazards in the UK and many other countries around the world. A key component of the survey is a monitoring and research programme that investigates groundwater. BGS scientists explore the affects of drainage and replinishment and are examining the effects of climate change on groundwater to help devise strategies to minimize the environmental, commercial and social damage that may result from extreme environmental conditions.
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is the UK's Centre of Excellence for research in the land and freshwater environmental sciences. Its research is aimed at improving understanding both of the environment as we see it today and the natural processes that underlie the Earth's support systems - for example climate & water resources. CEH is particularly interested in the impacts of human activity on natural environments. It undertakes research on a wide range of drought issues including river flows, water resources, ecological impacts and climate change.
Useful Links
British Geological Survey
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Defra
Environment Agency
Met Office
National Hydrological Monitoring Programme - 'Water Watch' website'
National Water Archive - National Hydrological Monitoring Programme
Northern Ireland Water Service
Office of Water Services (OFWAT)
Rivers Agency, Northern Ireland
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Scottish Water
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