2012 Drought in the UK

Background

In 2012, much of England and Wales experienced one of the worst droughts on record, particularly in southern England. This severe drought led to very low reservoir levels and widespread water shortages. Between April 2010 and May 2012, most of England received less than 85% of average rainfall, with some areas receiving less than 75%.

Causes of the Drought

Meteorological Factors:

1. Reduced Rainfall: The affected regions received only 55–95% of their usual rainfall over the two-year period from April 2010 to May 2012. Unusual wind patterns brought dry winds from Europe in the east instead of the typical wet winds from the Atlantic.
2. Warmer Temperatures: The weather was unusually warm, leading to increased evaporation from reservoirs and soil drying out.
3. Dry Soils: The dry and baked soils made it difficult for the limited rainfall to infiltrate the ground, exacerbating the water shortage.

Human Factors:

1. High Water Usage: The UK has a high per capita water usage, with around 1.7 billion litres of water used daily for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
2. Wastage and Leakage: Significant amounts of water were wasted through leaking pipes, further reducing the available water supply.

Consequences of the Drought

Agricultural Impacts:

1. Water Shortages for Farming: Farmers struggled to find sufficient water for crops and livestock. The dry ground also made harvesting difficult, particularly in the autumn of 2011.

Environmental Damage:

1. Wildfires: Dry moorland areas were prone to fires, with significant wildfires occurring in South Wales, Surrey, and the Scottish Borders.
2. River Depletion: In some areas, river water was used to supplement water supplies, leading to lower river levels and harming aquatic plants and animals.

Domestic and Social Effects:

1. Hosepipe Bans: Around 20 million people were affected by hosepipe bans, restricting water use for gardening and car washing.
2. General Water Restrictions: Although homeowners could still access water from taps, the need to conserve water led to public awareness campaigns.

Responses to the Drought

Water Management:

1. Water Extraction Permits: Permits allowed water companies to extract water from rivers to maintain the water supply.
2. Hosepipe Bans: Hosepipe bans were implemented to conserve water, affecting millions of households.

Public Awareness and Conservation:

1. Campaigns for Water Conservation: Water companies launched campaigns encouraging people to use less water at home. Simple actions, such as turning off the tap while brushing teeth, were promoted to save water.

The 2012 UK drought highlighted the importance of effective water management and conservation measures. It also underscored the need for public awareness about sustainable water usage, especially during periods of environmental stress. Future strategies must focus on enhancing water infrastructure, reducing wastage, and promoting efficient water use to mitigate the impacts of droughts.