Scientists predict very low river flows in the UK this summer due to expected drought conditions, according to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH). Dry, warm weather is forecasted over the next three months, leading to potential hosepipe bans and severe water restrictions. Thames Water CEO Chris Weston highlighted the possibility of these limitations.
The UKCEH’s Hydrological Outlook indicates that river flows will likely remain below normal from May to July, risking severe environmental impacts such as fish deaths and increased pollution from sewage spills. Many UK catchments are already experiencing historically low water levels, exacerbated by the fact that no new reservoirs have been built in over 30 years.
Groundwater levels are also expected to remain low, threatening farmers who depend on irrigation and increasing the risk of crop failures. Concerns are raised over the privatized water companies’ management, which some experts believe has contributed to the crisis.
Source link
