Southern Water has requested a drought order permitting greater water extraction from the River Test, an important chalk stream in Hampshire. The request seeks to alter water abstraction conditions, allowing for increased drawing during low-flow periods, potentially causing severe ecological harm. The river's ecosystem may suffer, affecting endangered species and river health. Similar requests have been made by Yorkshire Water for drought permits. Critiques focus on the water industry's failure to improve infrastructure and the high compensation of company executives, alongside ongoing hosepipe bans amid drought conditions.
Southern Water has applied for a drought order to draw larger quantities of water from the River Test, a rare chalk stream in Hampshire, home to endangered species.
The drought order would allow Southern Water to draw high amounts of water even when the river falls below ecologically safe flow levels, risking severe ecological damage.
Rivers at low flow levels can take years to recover, affecting fish spawning and river health, potentially leading to death of the ecosystem due to lack of oxygen.
Drought orders facilitate urgent changes in water abstraction and may worsen environmental conditions, prompting criticism of water companies for inadequate infrastructure and excessive executive pay.
Collection
[
|
...
]