World Environment Day: Our Land, Our Future

June 5, 2024

The UK is fortunate to have the resources available to mitigate some of the worst impacts of climate change. However, the increased frequency of extreme weather events has the potential to create major environmental and socio-economic challenges that no country will ever be immune to.


In 2022, the UK experienced its warmest year on record, with rising temperatures, drier conditions and the depletion of water resources leading to the declaration of drought; causing significant problems for local communities, biodiversity, agricultural yields, manufacturing operations, and energy production.


What needs to be done?


The UK Government, regulators, and water companies are making strides to improve water resources resilience by streamlining planning applications for new reservoirs and water recycling facilities, setting ambitious targets for water companies to reduce leakage, and supporting farmers in storing more water on their land with water management grants.


Despite national efforts, our team is well aware that the emphasis on change and resilience is often placed on the farmer or operator. Envireau Water has worked across sectors to support the individuals behind the operation in understanding their use of water resources, how they can strive for long-term water security, and how to overcome regulatory hurdles. 


One of our most innovative approaches to sustainable water management includes our work with Oasthouse Ventures and their aspiration to construct a world-first glasshouse development. Keep reading to learn more about the novel approach...


An innovative solution to water management


Oasthouse Ventures approached Envireau Water after their £120 million investment in a groundbreaking glasshouse project to decarbonise agriculture. This development, located in an area with restricted groundwater abstraction in eastern England, highlighted the region's water resource challenges.


Our team's expertise and innovative technology were essential in creating a sustainable water supply system. The concept relied on rainwater harvesting, focusing on ensuring reliability. With reservoir volume limited by planning permission, key questions arose: How much water could be stored? Would stored water meet demand? How much additional water was needed, and from where?


To address these, our technical experts developed a numerical model to inform the reservoir's size using long-term daily solar radiation data to predict irrigation demand. The model was linked to a 30-year rainfall record to assess rainfall availability and drought frequency and duration.


The model's outcome allowed for modifications to existing licences, enabling sustainable winter abstraction when resources were available. Our regulatory experts worked with the Environment Agency to ensure the abstraction design could effectively handle extended dry periods.


Ben Alexander, Senior Development Manager, Oasthouse Ventures, commented:


"Envireau Water were a vital part of the team; their understanding of the sector, technical skills, innovative approach and rapid grasp of the project meant that we had the confidence that our vision would be delivered."



Conclusion


The increasing frequency and severity of droughts, exacerbated by climate change and population growth, present significant environmental and socio-economic challenges for the UK. The record-breaking temperatures and depleted water resources of 2022 highlight the urgent need for effective water management. The Oasthouse Ventures case study demonstrates how innovative and sustainable solutions can address these challenges. 


Envireau Water’s expertise in developing tailored water management strategies can ensure long-term water security for your operations. Contact Envireau Water on 01332 871 882 or by emailing info@envireauwater.co.uk to learn how we can help you navigate these critical issues.



About Envireau Water


Envireau Water is a team of expert water scientists and engineers who provide guidance on the management and regulation of natural water systems across the UK. By working collaboratively with our clients and regulators, we deliver robust, sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of all stakeholders. With an incredibly loyal client base and our ability to work seamlessly throughout the four nations of the UK, many of our clients know us individually and trust us to find resolutions to their water problems for years to come.

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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?

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Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.

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