Drought conditions already hitting UK crop production, farmers say

Crops are already failing in England because of drought conditions this spring, farmers have said.

People should start to ration their water use, the Environment Agency said, as water companies prepare for a summer of drought. The government has also asked the water CEOs to do more to avert water shortages, and the EA said hosepipe bans are on the horizon if a significant amount of rain does not fall.

Members of the National Drought Group, who met on Wednesday to discuss their plans, told the Guardian that there is “no slack” in the system, that water companies are “woefully underprepared” for drought and the plan for many is “simply praying for rain”.

It has been the driest start to spring in 69 years. England saw its driest March since 1961 and in April the country received just half its normal rainfall. Farmers have had to start irrigating crops earlier, and reservoir levels are either notably or exceptionally low across thenorth-east and north-west of England.

I’d prefer to wait until I have listened carefully to what Gerald has to say about this.

Let me guess, the farmers want millions of pounds of compensation from the taxpayer, despite having just spent the last six months protesting against having to pay half as much tax as everyone else?

I guess me living in Canada takes it for granted having so much fresh water available

Can we expect Farage to say it’s got nothing to do with climate change?

Coal, Fish… and now Water!

As Bevan might have said. Government is the subject behind the above quote.

Rainwater harvesting systems, reafforestation of upper watersheds, sustainable urban drainage systems, grey water systems. These are all well within our capabilities. Fricken water butts people!