EA applies for Elslack drought order

The Environment Agency has applied for a drought order that would enable it, for six months, to reduce the compensation flow required from the Elslack Reservoir in Skipton, North Yorkshire in stages from 0.382 megalitres per day (Ml/day) to 0.191 Ml/day.

This is in light of a serious deficiency of supply of water caused by an exceptional shortage of rain.

The application notice said: “The order, if granted, would allow the Agency to continue to provide a compensation flow to meet the needs of the downstream environment whilst preserving stocks in the reservoir to support such environmental needs.”