Dale at risk of drought and low reservoirs in future – new report predicts

A new report predicts that the dale is at risk of drought and low reservoirs levels in the future.

The strategic environmental assessment by Durham County Council also raises concern about pollution in waterways, particularly from historic mining activity and sewage overflows.

The assessment was part of an update to the County Durham Plan.

The report said: “The groundwater body beneath the upper Tees catchment to the west of Gainford is designated as a drinking water protected area.

“It fails to achieve good status due to metal mine discharges impacting the Harwood and Hudeshope becks and Eggleston Burn catchments.

“This groundwater is also at risk from nitrate contamination.”

It added that only about 15 per cent of water courses in the county achieve good ecological status and none of the water catchment areas achieve good chemical status.

Challenges to the River Tees include pollution from agriculture, sediment loss and pollution from wastewater treatment works and combined sewer outfalls.

The report said the county plan must consider the increasing risk of drought and “ensure measures are identified and implemented which minimise risk”.

It added: “In relation to reservoirs, climate change modelling undertaken by Northumbrian Water shows that reservoirs in the Kielder Water Resource Zone are sensitive to climate change and that with less rain in the summer, we should expect to see our reservoirs reduce to lower levels before they refill over the winter.

“The plan will need to ensure that planned growth is compatible with long-term water availability and resilient to increasing drought risk under climate change.

“The plan can also assist with water efficiency through ensuring new homes are fitted with water efficient appliances and water meters.”

Meanwhile, Northumbria Water has said that despite the sustained dry spell, reservoir levels are only slightly lower than normal for this time of year.

However, the utility company urged customers to use water sparingly.

“River flows are lower than normal and while as a company we’re used to managing demand, we also need customers to play their part and help us leave as much water as possible in our rivers for nature.”