Exceptionally low river flows forecast

[Leon Roskilly]

A wake-up call to those who have campaigned about over-abstraction of river water in the past

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/weather/Story/0,...,939670,00.html

 

‘Although water companies this week reported that underground supplies and reservoirs were near the seasonal average because of heavy rainfall in the winter, Nerc hydrologists warned that significant rain would be needed in the next few weeks to avoid "exceptionally low" river flows later in the year. Many rivers in Yorkshire, Scotland and the Peak District are running at 60% or less of their normal flows.’

 

Tight Lines - leon

[Duncan]

Leon,

I can confirm that water levels are low in north Cumbria and SW Scotland, we have not had any significant rain since 11th March.

However at this moment we don’t want very heavy rain, which will cause the inevitable flood conditions - rivers up here are rain fed and are susceptible to heavy localised rainfall. Grayling have spawned and the chub & dace are not far away. Heavy floods between now and June will decimate what fry survive and another year’s stock potential is lost.

 

Duncan

[Leon Roskilly]

Strategically, now's the time to start working with local environmental groups, writing to all and sundry about the necessity to preserve river flows for fish and wildlife.

 

Now is the time to create a public/political environment of concern that will put the needs of the rivers at the forefront of people's minds.

 

Otherwise, when the hot weather comes and the rivers run low, the water companies will mostly be fearing the public backlash from potential water conservation measures, such as bans on using hosepipes, car washing and using standpipes.

 

If those concerned for the health of the rivers do not move first, only reacting once Mr Angry writes to say that he pays his water rates and has every right to flush his loo, wash his car and sprinkle his lawn, all that then can be done will be to criticise decisions that have already been made in anticipation of the outcry from the likes of Mr Angry.

 

Let us hope that all angling organisations concerned for the health of our rivers, and individual river anglers, see the signs now, and don't leave it too late to start getting organised on this issue.

 

Tight Lines - leon

[ayjay]

Hosepipe bans are a total waste of time.

 

The water authorities own figures show all domestic usage to be just 3 per cent of the total amount of water used.