Southern Water has applied for a drought order that would allow it to draw water from the River Test, a rare chalk stream in Hampshire, even if its levels fall below ecologically safe thresholds. The application, submitted to Environment Secretary Steve Reed, has prompted calls for intervention to prevent potential permanent damage to the river's ecosystem.
The River Test is one of only about 200 chalk streams globally, with 85% located in England. It provides habitat for endangered salmon and otters. The current licence prohibits abstraction when river flow drops below 355 megalitres per day (Ml/d), but Southern Water seeks to lower this threshold to 265 Ml/d under a temporary drought order.
Environmental groups warn that reducing flow limits could severely impact fish spawning and river health. Feargal Sharkey, a water campaigner, urged Reed to block the order, stating that removing flow limits could push wild salmon towards extinction. The Angling Trust also criticised water companies for failing to build reservoirs and fix leaks, leaving them unprepared for droughts.
Yorkshire Water has similarly applied for a drought order on the River Ouse and for 14 drought permits. Both Southern and Yorkshire Water have hosepipe bans in place. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the secretary of state would decide on the orders in due course.
