It's Good News for Irrigation Users: The Initial Prospects Are In

March 4, 2021

Have you been wondering about the forthcoming irrigation season? Envireau Water keeps an eye on groundwater and river levels and provides support to irrigators on the likely situation for the next season. While we have been comfortable with the prospects for 2021 for several months, it is good to see that the Environment Agency agree with us. They have published their initial prospects for irrigation 2021 and all areas across England are classed as ‘good’. Following higher than average rainfall over the past six months, groundwater and river levels have been classed as normal or above average for this time of the year and with soils still at, or close to, field capacity, aquifers are expected to have more chances to recharge over the coming weeks. 

We will continue to be vigilant.


Although groundwater levels will hold up during dry weather, river levels will fall quickly in response to a long dry spell, so it is worth keeping an eye on the situation, Envireau Water certainly will... To increase your resilience to drought and minimise the potential impact on your business, consider the following actions:

  • Check your licence conditions to ensure that the quantities and timings are correct.
  • Check that your meters are working and that you have a new record sheet set up. Ideally you should record the readings in a spreadsheet to make electronic submission easy.
  • Check your entire irrigation system. Leaks, pressures, pumps and meters.


What the expert had to say…


James Dodds, our water management specialist, offered his best advice…


“Irrigators have been managing abstraction for decades. As we continue to deal with more variable weather it is critical that everything is done to be resilient in dry weather. While everything is looking good now, it makes it an excellent time without the stress of drought, to make sure that everything from licence to the rain gun is in tip top condition. By doing so you then only have the weather to contend with.” 


How Envireau Water can help


Our team has over 25 years of experience in managing water resources. Whether you have too much or too little, we will find the solution you require. Our relationship with the Environment Agency built over many years, enables us to negotiate effective and suitable solutions specific to your issue. So, get everything in order before the start of the irrigation season and get in touch with our technical lead, Tamsin Morey at tamsin@envireauwater.co.uk or call on 01332 871 882.  

Share

By Rachael Plant July 22, 2025
We are excited to welcome Dr Anna Hitchmough to our growing team, who recently joined Envireau Water as a Principal Technical Specialist. With over 25 years of consultancy experience in hydrogeology, Anna brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Anna joins us from Carbon Zero Consulting/RSK Geosciences, where her career has centred around ground-source heat pump systems. In her most recent role, Anna chaired RSK's Heat Decarbonisation Working Group and Hydrogeology Working Group. Anna brings extensive experience in quantitative risk assessments and NAPL characterisation and has completed significant work on several contaminated land projects, having previously served as Chair of the Geological Society's Contaminated Land Group. Anna's academic background stems from the University of Newcastle where she completed an MSc in Hydrology, followed by a PhD in Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham. She is also a chartered geologist.
By Rachael Plant July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.
By Rachael Plant July 8, 2025
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.
Show More
By Rachael Plant July 22, 2025
We are excited to welcome Dr Anna Hitchmough to our growing team, who recently joined Envireau Water as a Principal Technical Specialist. With over 25 years of consultancy experience in hydrogeology, Anna brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Anna joins us from Carbon Zero Consulting/RSK Geosciences, where her career has centred around ground-source heat pump systems. In her most recent role, Anna chaired RSK's Heat Decarbonisation Working Group and Hydrogeology Working Group. Anna brings extensive experience in quantitative risk assessments and NAPL characterisation and has completed significant work on several contaminated land projects, having previously served as Chair of the Geological Society's Contaminated Land Group. Anna's academic background stems from the University of Newcastle where she completed an MSc in Hydrology, followed by a PhD in Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham. She is also a chartered geologist.
By Rachael Plant July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.
By Rachael Plant July 8, 2025
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.
By Rachael Plant June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?
Show More