Industry NewsDry weather in 2011 caused concern among suppliers over the possibility of drought conditions at the end of the year. The situation led to Anglian Water obtaining a drought permit. The situation raises the potential for further problems in 2012 if conditions do not improve. However, it is also likely to lead to questions over how suppliers use their resources. Ofwat has already raised concerns that some suppliers have not met their leakage targets (see separate article), wasting supplies.
Towards the end of 2011 there were reports that some reservoirs were reaching very low levels. South East Water applied to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the right to divert 15 million litres of water a day from the River Ouse. This would last six months and be used to refill reservoirs. At the time, it was suggested that the Ardingly reservoir only had two months of supplies left. Similarly, Anglian Water was granted permission to pump extra water from the River Nene to refill the Pitsford Reservoir.
Elsewhere, Thames Water urged end users to conserve water after it was forced to use an underground reservoir for the first time since 2006. At the time, Richard Aylard, Thames Water director of external affairs, commented, "It may come as a surprise to be talking about drought so close to Christmas, but if we don't get close to average rainfall this winter there is a very real possibility of a drought next year."