Another example of TAKE.TAKE,TAKE by Government and Bureaucracy A letter I received yesterday ..NO signes of a refund,
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Boating on the non-tidal Thames -
impacts of the drought
Dear boater,
You will have heard that the South East of England is now in drought. If this continues it may have impacts for boating on the Thames this summer and I wanted to warn you about this.
Why are we in drought?
The South East is currently experiencing a prolonged spell of lower-than-average rainfall. The Berkshire Downs and Upper Thames catchments are experiencing their second driest 17-month period (October 2010 to February 2012) on record (since 1922).
We have seen a continual decline in water availability and many reservoirs are much lower than normal for the time of year.
What are the impacts of drought?
We did not see any significant drought impacts on the environment during the winter, but as we enter spring that is changing, with a number of spring-fed tributaries of the Thames having exceptionally low flows at their source.
Because reservoirs are depleted, water companies may apply for permits that will enable them to take more water from the Thames to continue providing drinking water to households and businesses. And as you will have heard, all the water companies in the Thames catchment are introducing hosepipe band on April 5.
What are we doing about it?
We have a drought plan for south east, which sets out how we will manage water during a drought. Environmental indicators within the plan determine the actions we need to do to balance the water needs of the environment and public supply – and navigation of the Thames.
As well as staunching weirs to reduce leakage, we may need to reduce the number of times our locks are operated each day, because each time a lock is used, a considerable volume of water is released downstream. When flows are already low, unlimited lock usage has the potential to reduce them further within that reach, with serious impacts for its ecology, and for navigation.
If we need to limit lock usage, we will do this by introducing voluntary or mandatory waiting times at lock, to ensure that each time it is used, as many boats as possible pass through it.
The introduction of such restrictions is unlikely in the immediate future but will be determined by weather conditions over the months ahead. However, please be aware of potential for delays during the summer months, and allow extra time for any journeys you intend to make. Please also be aware that although we will work to maintain headwater levels at locks, as flows decline so the gradient of the river drops, reducing tail water levels. We advise boaters to be particularly careful to ensure their craft is moored in sufficient depth of water, especially in locations just downstream of weirs.
We will advise you if the situation changes.
You can also register for updates on any restrictions by emailing
riverthames@environment-agency.gov.uk. Or, to check the latest situation, go to
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/thamesrestrictions or phone our infoline on 0845 988 1188 and select option 1 followed by quickdial number 011131.
Andrew Graham
Environment Agency drought lead for Waterways.
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