'Fair' and 'grown-up' water strategy needed- says Norfolk farmer
The environmental regulator's found that water supplies here have returned to normal levels- meaning East Anglia's no longer in drought
A local farmer tells us a 'fair' and 'grown-up' water strategy is needed to bolster local food production and security.
It comes as the Environment Agency's confirmed that East Anglia's is no longer in drought- after months of heavy rainfall.
"The risk is you become more dependent on imports"
Nick Deane lives and works in Hoveton
He says last year's weather took it's toll:
"A lot of our crops didn't fail completely but came in with very low yields and very poor quality.
"The longer-term picture is very much one of how do we deal with all of that from a climate change point of view and securing water resources for irrigation is clearly one of those things that we can do.
"From this time of the year we start thinking towards the summer and irrigation. This all means that we've got a good start to the season with resources to draw on when needs be.
Nick went on to tell us what the consequences might be if things don't change:
"Less ability to grow our own food and that would mean we're a lot more vulnerable price spikes.
"It's about food security- so the risk is you become more dependent on imports or there could shortages or lack of things on the shelves".
What has the Government said on this?
National Drought Group chair and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, Helen Wakeham, said:
"Last year’s drought was challenging for everyone, affecting our farmers, our wildlife, and our public water supplies.
The winter rainfall has helped our depleted reservoirs and rivers to recover and, while we welcome the improved picture, we are mindful of the problems that flooding brings too.
We enter spring in a favourable position, but we can never be complacent. We expect water companies to carry on quickly fixing burst pipes and to be ready to enact their drought plans in a timely manner, if needed.
After attending the National Drought Group meeting, Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
Despite our recent wet weather, we must still talk about drought. Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared.
We expect water companies to update their draft statutory drought plans by the end of March and plan for more extreme dry weather – in the hope it never comes.
In the longer-term, the Government is taking decisive action to secure supplies, including nine new reservoirs, multiple water transfer schemes, and eight desalination projects.