The drought that has affected many areas of England this Autumn could lead to water shortages for farms and businesses if they do not share supplies, DEFRA has warned.
The dry conditions mean reservoir and groundwater levels are low in many areas and the Environment Agency is calling upon all water abstractors to look for ways to share and make the best use of limited water resources.
It suggests setting up a water abstractor group, water audits and implementing measures to improve water efficiency.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said the problems raised would come as no surprise to farmers and growers but it was looking to the government to help farmers and growers fight against climate change.
It said: “The NFU welcomes the continuation of this positive relationship and will be taking every action to help farmers and growers by working with the EA to help it achieve the report’s recommendations.
“Farmers and growers make a significant contribution to the economy in many parts of the country especially in those parts which have been hardest hit. Ultimately, they are prepared to plan for drier summers and adapt if necessary as water is essential to their businesses.”
The NFU raised its concerns over possible water issues that could arise in the coming year when it published the results of its quinquennial water survey last month.
It demonstrated how hundreds of farmers and growers throughout the UK are using water resources responsibly, what steps they are taking to conserve water and how they will tackle challenges in the future.
This includes using run-off from greenhouse roofs, increasing capacity of reservoirs and plans to improve water efficiency in coming years.
The dry spell has affected central England, parts of the Cotswolds and areas in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, parts of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and is now reaching further into the south east of England.
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