Severn Trent Water is applying to the Environment Agency (EA) for a Drought Permit which will allow it to continue to abstract water from the River Derwent this winter.
The water company went into spring this year with its reservoirs full - since then Severn Trent has kept the water flowing over summer by moving water around the network and fixing leaks quicker than ever through some of the driest and hottest temperatures on record.
The drought permit will allow Severn Trent to abstract water to refill its Carsington and Ogston reservoirs over winter at times when the current licence river flows would restrict this.
Following the record breaking dry spring and summer periods, its Carsington Reservoir level is lower than it wants it to be. Severn Trent needs a drought permit to allow it to continue to abstract water from the River Derwent if it stays dry and the river has lower flows. The company intends to do this over winter to help refill the reservoir ahead of next spring.
Severrn Trent’s intention is for the permit to come into force as soon as possible following the application and to remain in place to 31 March 2026. If necessary, it may also choose to apply to the EA for a permit extension for a further six months.
The water company said:
“We’ve looked very closely at the River Derwent so we know how it might respond to this temporary change in flow. Based on our environmental assessment, we do not believe that there will be harm to wildlife or ecology in the river. However, we will monitor the river closely while the Permit is in place. If we find any significant or unexpected impacts, we’ll be able to act quickly.”
Document links
WR80 Signed Application for Drought Permit | PDF | 491 KB
Drought permit application notice | PDF | 120 KB
Justification of need document | PDF | 4.06 MB
Drought Permit Environmental Assessment Report | PDF | 1.05 MB
Drought Permit Environmental Assessment Report Appendices | PDF | 3.09 MB
Draft Drought Permit | PDF | 239 KB
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