Latest news with #UKCentreforEcologyandHydrology
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Record low rivers prompt drought experts meeting
Drought experts will meet this week to decide if stronger advice on water use is needed in response to record low river levels, BBC Wales has been told. On Thursday, Wales' drought liaison group will discuss whether all or parts of the country should be upgraded from normal to prolonged dry weather status. Several rivers in north and mid Wales are classed as having notably low levels, while the Dee and Yscir are at their driest since records began in the 1970s. The Welsh government said its expert group would meet regularly to "ensure water supplies are effectively managed and the environment protected". Rainfall in Wales so far this spring has been well below average, with the country seeing 49% of the levels expected during March and April, according to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH). Exceptionally low river levels raise fears over water supplies Fears 19th Century canal could start to run dry in days Don't waste water during hot weather, people urged Though wetter weather is forecast this weekend and into next week, Catherine Sefton, senior hydrologist at the research institute, said sustained rainfall was needed. "Unless we have appreciable rainfall now at the end of spring and going into the summer there will be concerns for water resources and the environment as well as impacts on agriculture with the dry soils," she said. Mid and north Wales had a particularly dry April, with rivers such as the Conwy, Dee and Wye ranked as notably low, according to CEH's reports. The Yscir in Powys was exceptionally low, recording just 21% of its average April flow. Both it and the Dee hit their lowest levels on record for the time of year. Reservoir stocks have also been drawn down at a faster rate than an average spring. As of 8 May, Welsh Water's reservoirs were 79% full in south-east Wales, 89% full in the south-west, 90% full in the north-east and 92% full in the north-west. The company has already been urging customers to be mindful with their use of water. Ian Christie, managing director of water, asset planning and capital delivery at the firm said it was "implementing measures to preserve upland reservoir supplies where we can" while trying to cut leaks from pipes. Lily Jones, from Llanrwst, Conwy, said she was not concerned about water levels. "I don't think we need to be worrying about running out of water anytime soon, I think we should be enjoying the weather while it's here, we can still cope," she said. "But I don't waste it," she said of her water use. "It's not good for the farmers, the flowers and the crops." But Morwenna Theaker, 53, from Llanrwst said water is too often left to waste. "Now when we don't have any water it's maybe not hurting us as much but it's definitely hurting the wildlife," she said. "It will be inevitable that we will have to ration water if this carries on like this, but I still think we should be doing the things, like making more reservoirs and making places that hold more water," she added. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said there had been "no or very little rain across Wales" so far in May and "the majority of rivers are currently low". Caroline Harries, who leads NRW's water resources team said spring was critical for "fish migration and land management" and her teams were "closely monitoring river levels and temperatures". She also urged people to use water wisely to "protect our natural environment". The drought liaison group is chaired by the Welsh government and brings together the country's water firms, NRW, the Met Office, farming, environment and public health leaders. Thursday's meeting will review the latest data, with potential announcements to follow, BBC Wales has been told. Experts could decide to declare a period of prolonged dry weather across all or part of Wales, marking a step further on the ladder towards an official drought. NRW's website notes that, once prolonged dry weather is declared, the regulator "steps up its actions" that include enhanced monitoring and checks on water bodies, providing guidance for farmers and ensuring those who take water from rivers are abiding by the conditions on their licence. Gail Davies-Walsh, chief executive of Afonydd Cymru - which represents Wales' rivers trusts - said a change in status would involve an "increase in communications" by all involved in drought planning. "We're really asking people to think about the fact that the water they use in their home is either coming from a reservoir in Wales or it's coming from our rivers," she said. Being mindful with water usage now "can reduce the number of actions we need to take further on" and would also help protect fish and wildlife "trying to survive in what is becoming increasingly hotter water and much lower levels". Retired agriculture teacher Tudur Davies, 78, cycles daily around his local area near St Asaph in Denbighshire, taking photos, and said he had been struck by how early in the year signs of a drought were appearing. "The hills look burnt," he said, adding that peatland, usually wet and boggy, "is now crunchy" underfoot. "Even if we get quite a bit of rain next week it will take a long time for things to change," he added. The Welsh government said it was "working with partners to monitor the levels of water bodies" and the drought liaison group would "continue to meet regularly to share situational updates, and to ensure water supplies are effectively managed and our environment is protected".
ITV News
16-05-2025
- General
- ITV News
Belfast Lough 'could be' next Lough Neagh if waste water infrastructure not sorted, warns minister
Stormont's minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural affairs has told UTV that "Belfast Lough, that could become the next Lough Neagh" if waste water infrastructure in Northern Ireland is not sorted. Andrew Muir's comments come as campaigners around Lough Neagh fear a return of blue-green algae amid ongoing high weather temperatures. According to data collected by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology there have been a total of four confirmed reports of the toxic blooms in NI so far this year. A significant drop from the same time scale last year, when official reports of blue-green algae hit 18. In July 2024, the DAERA minister proposed a 37-point action plan to tackle the issue. It was signed off by the executive and contained a number of measures, 21 of which his department could take on immediately but others required cross departmental agreement. The bacteria grows under certain conditions including, warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that get a lot of sun exposure. The nutrient density is a result of pollution. The minister is currently seeking views on proposals which would see more stringent rules for farmers around slurring spreading - something which those within the agri-sector have said is out of touch and does not take into consideration the actions they have taken to date. Speaking to UTV, Minister Muir said: "If people have other solutions im all ears, no final decision has been made. "Difficult interventions are going to be required to turn the situation around not just Lough Neagh but at many other rivers, lakes and loughs "Research that's been published says that about 62% is due to agriculture in terms of water quality, 24% in terms of waste water, and 12% in relation to septic tanks, and the Nutrients Action Programme seeks to tackle that 62% and I know there are difficult proposals in there, but I've always been clear that we need to face up to difficult decisions." When it was put to the minister that farmers are not in agreement with some of the proposals, he replied: "I have been engaging with farmers during the Balmoral Show and I'll continue to do that as i know thee are challenges in the industry, there are so many issues, and I'm fighting the corner for farmers, where it's about relation to inheritance tax or many other issues and I'll continue to engage with them on this as we need to work together so we can reduce the amount of slurry that's going into our rivers and loughs." The minister added that the consultation around the proposals has now been extended for a further four weeks "to allow more time for farmers to respond" and "present any alternative solutions, no final decisions have been made.' In relation to the 24% caused by sewage pollution, Mr Muir said "it's a real concern for me". "We're standing here on the shores of Belfast Lough, that could become the next Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland if we don't sort out the situation with regards waste water infrastructure. "That responsibility for investment sits with another minister, but enforcement and regulation sits with me and I'm seeking to take much tighter approach around that." In a statement, NI Water told UTV: 'Whilst NI Water is not the biggest contributor to pollution, it fully recognises that it does not achieve the environmental standards it would like to, but doing so requires sustained investment and, unfortunately, that level of investment has not been available. "That is why NI Water would welcome an agreed, cross departmental transition plan to achieve the improved environmental performance we aspire to.'
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Why you should keep dogs out of water after couple's beloved pet dies after walk
Hannah May Washington and Jordan Shearman have urged dog owners to be extra careful on walks after the death of tragic Cocker Spaniel Roo. If you're out on a walk with your dog on a hot day - and they seem to be fairly common at the moment - it's only natural that your furry friend might want to splash into a burn or pond to cool off. And as long as there are no superfast currents or hidden drops, surely they'll be fine, right? Not necessarily. One couple sadly said goodbye to their beloved pet after a seemingly innocent dook in a lake. And they are warning all dog owners to be careful when around water with their pooches, just in case the worst could happen to them too, Wiltshire Live reports. Hannah May Washington and boyfriend Jordan Shearman were out in Anton Lankes in Andover, Hampshire, on April 30, 2022, with one-year-old Cocker Spaniel Roo. Their pup loved splashing around in the water on their regular walks there, but there was something amiss on this trip. The couple said: "We have taken Roo to the lakes many times before, but not so much recently, and did notice that a lot of the areas he would usually swim, was incredibly dirty, much more so than normal, so we didn't spend so much time swimming in those areas, however he did jump in briefly for a lot of them" Anton Lakes sits just north of Andover, and boasts a river and a lake within its nature reserve. Despite its beauty, it was suspected that there may have been blue-green algae in the water, which is deadly to dogs. According to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the substance is a type of bacteria which can produce toxic chemicals that are very harmful to both humans and animals. It naturally occurs in lakes, ponds, canals, rivers, and reservoirs. UKCEH said: "They are particularly a health risk during warm summer months when their concentrations increase in the water to form blooms and scums on the surface. This can look like green or turquoise wispy paint, green scum or clumps of green particles". Roo's walk seemed to be fairly normal until the pup's eyes appeared a bit droopy towards the end of the trip. The couple said: "We figured he had gotten too much water in his eyes so we decided to end the walk and return to the car". But on the way home, Hannah "knew straight away something was wrong" as the dog was unsettled and struggling to stand up. They rushed Roo straight to Strathmore Veterinary Clinic. Hannah said: "While in my arms Roo began to have fits, struggling to breath, foaming at the mouth, it was the worst experience of my life having to hold him, speaking to him, telling him mummy and daddy loved him." But in the 15 minutes it took to get to the vets, the Cocker Spaniel pup had become worryingly pale and struggling to breathe. His heart then stopped beating and, around 7pm that day, Roo tragically passed away. Hannah said: "Our worst nightmare had officially happened, our precious, young, baby Roo had lost his life, so suddenly." The couple, who were 23 and 24 at the time, had just celebrated one year living together in their first home. Speaking about Roo, Hannah said: "He was everything in our lives, quite literally. Our lives, our habits, our plans, revolved around our lovely pup, and so I can't even begin to describe the pain we are in." Hannah and Jordan shared their story as a warning to dog owners about the dangers of blue-green algae, and how deadly it can be. Test Valley Borough Council tested the water in the days after Roo's death, issuing a warning to locals to "please keep dogs out of the water" at Anton Lakes. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. At the time, Councillor Phil North said: 'As a fellow dog owner, I was extremely saddened to hear about Roo's passing following a walk at Anton Lakes. "Although no cause of death has been confirmed with the council, following feedback from the vet we are taking a precautionary approach and are working with the Environment Agency to test the water for blue-green algae. 'This algae occurs naturally in bodies of freshwater but can be potentially dangerous to people and their pets. We are hoping to receive the results of the tests by the end of next week, and while we await the outcome, we are recommending that people and pets stay out of the water. Residents and pet owners can find out more about blue-green algae and its effects via the Kennel Club website.' In August that year, Miniature Jack Russell Maple also died after a walk at Anton Lakes. The water was tested again and "low levels" of blue-green algae were found. According to the Kennel Club the effects of blue-green algae on dogs may vary but there are some recognised effects including: dribbling tiredness vomiting and diarrhoea (both of which may be bloody) effects on the heart and blood pressure convulsions problems breathing organ failure They add that signs often start within an hour, but may occur within a few minutes, or can sometimes be delayed by a few days. Many cases are life threatening and dogs can die very quickly.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Thunderstorms hit parts of the UK
Thunderstorms have hit parts of Wales, the Midlands and southern England on Monday afternoon. A Met Office yellow weather warning for the storms, which could lead to flooding in parts of England and Wales is valid until 22:00 BST The warning covers areas including Wales, the Midlands, west of England, London and the South East with up to 50mm (1.9in) of rain falling within a few hours. England has had its driest start to spring for 69 years, the Environment Agency said earlier this month. While another very warm and mostly sunny day for most, heavy showers have been building and leading to some thunderstorms. With the ground so dry and with heavy rain in places, the Met Office said there was the "potential for minor localised issues" and flash flooding. The showers and thunderstorms will gradually fade away later on Monday evening. And while Tuesday will be another warm and sunny day across most parts of the UK, there is the possibility of more storms developing in south Wales and southern England. Sunshine and settled conditions will return across the UK for the rest of the week, with temperatures forecast to reach the low to mid-twenties. Last week, the Environment Agency warned water companies that more must be done to safeguard water supplies. Many places have gone without any rain for weeks, including Preston in Lancashire and parts of Fife which have been dry since mid-April. According to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's three month Drought Index, large parts of the UK are in the 'extremely dry' category. Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start the day. Sign up here. Monthly outlook for May Six ways to keep your home cool Four ways your plants could be affected by hot spring weather
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Thunderstorms and floods forecast despite driest spring for decades
A yellow weather warning has been issued for thunderstorms, which could lead to flooding in parts of England and Wales. The warning covers areas including Wales, the Midlands, west of England, London and the South East from 12:00 BST to 22:00 on Monday, the Met Office said. Up to 50mm of rain could fall within a few hours, with a possibility of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services. England has had its driest start to spring for 69 years, the Environment Agency said earlier this month. Showers are forecast to drift in from the south in the early hours of Monday, the Met Office said. Temperatures across the board are due to remain mild in the high teens or early 20s. The Met Office said there was the "potential for minor localised issues" and flash flooding. Sunshine and settled conditions will return across the UK for the rest of the week, with temperatures forecast to reach 23C in some parts. Last week, the Environment Agency warned that water companies that more must be done to safeguard water supplies. Many places have gone without any rain for weeks, including Preston in Lancashire and parts of Fife which have been dry since mid-April. According to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's three month Drought Index, large parts of the UK are in the 'extremely dry' category. UK to see temperatures rise over the weekend UK at 'medium' risk of drought this summer Monthly outlook for May
