Friday 27 May 2011: Environment Agency officers are stepping up river monitoring activities to quickly identify impacts on fish and other wildlife as dry conditions continue across many parts of the country.

The Environment Agency’s latest drought management briefing shows:

East Anglia has only had 20 per cent of average rainfall so far this month
Central, south east and south west England has received between 41 and 55 per cent of average rainfall so far this month

River flows across the country remain low, except in north England and north Wales. River flows in south west England, the Midlands, south east Wales, parts of East Anglia and Kent are particularly low for the time of year
Overall, groundwater levels are healthy but levels in south west and central England and in parts of Wales are currently below normal.

Impacts on wildlife
The change in the normal conditions of rivers and streams can lead to serious consequences for many species, including birds, fish and insects. The Environment Agency is readying its specialist pumping equipment to respond to falling oxygen levels in rivers, which can kill fish and other aquatic wildlife. Yesterday, teams moved fish trapped in pools in the River Teme between Leintwardine and Knighton, Herefordshire, to deeper water using an electric current to safely catch the fish.

In Lincolnshire, the flow on the River Slea is being enhanced by pumping groundwater into the river. Normally, this does not take place until the summer.

Environment Agency stepping up checks
The Environment Agency is closely monitoring fish stocks, including migrating salmon and sea trout, that can be affected by low river flows. Teams are also stepping up checks for pollution incidents, as slow-flowing rivers struggle to dilute contaminants.

The organisation is working closely with farmers and other abstractors to find ways to make water resources go further. In parts of the central Fens, some farmers and growers have volunteered to irrigate only at night, significantly reducing the amount of water lost to evaporation.

Water resouces
Groundwater levels are generally satisfactory following rain in January and February but have started an early decline in many areas. Some reservoirs are currently below normal for the time of year and river flows in some parts of the country are notably low.

The Environment Agency will continue to monitor and respond to the situation as below average rainfall and dry conditions continue. The organisation will also publish a report next month to assess the likely impacts of prolonged dry weather, including the plans in place to manage drought.

Trevor Bishop, Environment Agency’s Head of Water Resources, said:

“The Environment Agency, water companies and other water users have plans in place to cope with dry spells.

“Low river flows can harm wildlife, as fish and other animals get trapped upstream, and we are stepping up our monitoring to be able to respond quickly to these risks.

“We are working with farmers and others to balance the water needs of people, businesses and the environment. It's important that we all use precious water wisely at all times of the year, especially during dry periods.”

Public urged to report incidents
Anglers, dog walkers and ramblers are urged to report suspected pollution incidents or distressed fish to enable its staff to respond quickly where wildlife is threatened. The Environment Agency's 24 hour incident hotline is 0800 807 060.

Water saving tips
Try to conserve water at home and in the garden.

• Turn off taps when you brush your teeth, shave or wash your hands, as this can waste up to 5 litres of water per minute.
• Take a shower instead of a bath.
• Install a water saving device in your toilet cistern.
• In the garden, use a watering can instead of a hosepipe and install a water butt if you can to capture rain.
• Watering the lawn with mains water is wasteful. Grass is hardy and will grow back, even if it turns brown.

hello maybe they should have thought about this years ago giving way to much abstraction from many river sources. you only need look at the river lavant in west sussex and the stream in collingbourne wiltshire to see the effect on our rivers not only due to weather conditions. both are now dry beds only coming to life after very heavy and prolonged rainfull as a few years ago thus leading to much flooding, are now back dry. water companies could do more to fix leaks and wastage if you read any report on thames water you might understand. the new reservoir that was forcast for south oxon has been put on hold, costing i would think many millions for surveys, land purchase and public consultations, we need to conserve more water for our rising population and on the other hand keep our rivers in good condition but at what cost not to the E A and water companies i think.

Sorry Editor......
This news item reads like a PR hand out by a Government body.......top heavy on Admin and Advisers..........what we really require to justify our licence fee is more enforcement bailiffs at the sharp end instead of the EA patting themselves on the back.
George Barron

Hear hear,they need to get off their backsides and start to police the rivers properly rather than relying on us licence payers to move the poachers on.I have fished the Otter in east devon for over 40 years and have never encountered a E A bailiff.I have had to deal with many a poacher but I cannot remember seeing a prosecution by the E A in the local press.
There is a bass nursary in the Exe but there has, to my knowledge, never been a prosecution for illegal fishing in 19 years.Go down to Exmouth and you will see the boats fishing in full view of the docks,an easy "catch" for the E A who I believe have joint responsibility with Devon Sea Fisheries.
Billy fish

hello george you are right!! 3 million plus anglers paying average of £20 where does the money go

very true, been fishing on rivers and stillwaters for the past 5-6 years and my licence has NEVER been checked?

just as i wrote that i seen on the one show the environment agency saving brown trout in a drought stricken river. i suppose most work is done behind the scenes not just checking licences

Most of the EA employees at the hands-on end of the agency are as frustrated by the nonsense as we are. Sure, they pitch up lovely little bits of PR in isolated locations, but in reality it's all controlled by central government. Things are sure to get worse when they tie in the EA, the Forrestry Commision and Countryside Commision for Wales under one roof....to me that means less hands on and even more Admin. The drive this year is to improve water quality...very admirable....but is it better water quality cosmetically or for the environment. Hey, maybe next year the 3 million licence payers should adapt the French lorry driver's attitude and not pay......put the licence money in a seperate account until we get some decent service from these people before we part with our money. I reckon the EA would fold if we cancelled our direct debits.
GB

in total agreement cany take everyone to court, but the hands on staff might bear the brunt of this, as you say when the 3 EA CC and CCW merge what then.