During Britain's heatwave, East Anglian farmers confront enforced water restrictions as temperatures soar to 33°C. These growers face an 'abstraction ban' imposed by the Environment Agency (EA), while other local water usages remain unregulated. This decision impacts approximately 240 farmers within the Ely Ouse catchment, a key agricultural zone that spans Essex, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire. Historic temperature highs and low reservoir levels, the worst in a decade, have characterized the season.
In related developments, hosepipe bans were announced this week for six million households across Yorkshire and the South East, with a week's notice provided. However, the East Anglian irrigation ban was implemented without any forewarning. This lack of communication has led to discontent among growers. Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers' Union, criticized the abrupt enactment, emphasizing the absence of prior engagement despite Britain facing a 'red-hot summer'.
The Ely Ouse zone incorporates notable cities such as Cambridge and Ely, along with market towns including Saffron Walden and Newmarket. It is recognized for its high-grade agricultural land and its rural characteristics, as indicated by the government department's website. Farmers express concern over potential risks to food security due to halted crop irrigation in this prominent farming region. The government has indicated it will review the imposed restrictions daily.
Source: Daily Mail
