‘You can see the water going down’: residents on edge as one of England’s worst-hit reservoirs dries up
After UK’s hottest summer on record, Ardingly near Haywards Heath is just 19% full – and next-closest reservoir is unusable due to broken treatment works“You can see the water level at Ardingly going down and down. I don’t remember ever seeing it this low,” says Caroline Allan, a
The alarming rate at which Ardingly reservoir is drying up is a stark reminder of the severe impact of climate change on England's water resources. With the UK experiencing its hottest summer on record, it's no surprise that reservoirs are struggling to maintain their water levels. Ardingly's current 19% capacity is a worrying sign, especially given that the next-closest reservoir is currently unusable due to infrastructure issues.
This crisis highlights the vulnerability of England's water infrastructure to extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. The fact that Ardingly is one of the worst-hit reservoirs in the country underscores the need for urgent action to ensure the resilience of the UK's water supply. As the UK government continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the situation at Ardingly serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize water conservation and invest in sustainable water management practices.
As the situation at Ardingly continues to unfold, it's essential to watch for developments on the government's response to this crisis. Will they announce emergency measures to support affected communities, or longer-term plans to enhance water infrastructure and promote conservation? Additionally, the water industry will be closely monitoring the impact of this drought on the UK's water supply, and whether it will lead to increased investment in sustainable water management practices, such as water recycling and efficient irrigation systems.
Originally reported by theguardian.com. GreenNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.