Environment Agency officers have stepped up river monitoring to quickly identify pollution incidents, as slow flowing or lower rivers struggle to dilute contaminants, H&C has learned.

The Agency is also readying its specialist pumping equipment to respond to falling oxygen levels in watercourses, which can kill fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Additionally, it is urging anglers, dog walkers and ramblers to report suspected pollution incidents or fish kills to enable its staff to respond quickly where wildlife is threatened. It’s 24 hour incident hotline is 0800 807060.

Drought impacts river wildlife

Evidence from previous droughts has shown the serious impacts on the natural environment and wildlife, as river flows decrease, silt builds up and shallow ponds and lakes dry up. In the most severe droughts, it can take up to five years for some species to return to lakes and rivers.

The change in the normal conditions of rivers and streams can lead to serious consequences for many species, including birds, fish and insects.

Impacts have serious consequences

Impacts include:
Reduced breeding and feeding land for wading birds, such as snipe, redshank, lapwing and curlew, as wetlands dry up.
Hot weather and low river levels can lead to reduced oxygen levels in rivers and ponds, which can lead to fish and invertebrate deaths.
Low river levels can also prevent fish from migrating downstream, eventually killing them as the remaining shallow pools dry up.
Aquatic invertebrates such as crayfish are also at risk as they become stranded in pooled sections which then subsequently dry up.

The dry conditions together with the recent hot weather have already had an impact on the environment in parts of England and Wales as river levels remain low. The Environment Agency has deployed its fish rescue teams to several rivers in Wales and the North West after levels dropped so low that fish became trapped.

The Environment Agency will continue to monitor and respond to the situation as below average rainfall and hot, dry conditions continue.

Trevor Bishop, the Environment Agency's Head of Water Resources said: “We have increased our monitoring of rivers, lakes and ponds to help us respond quickly and protect wildlife from the impacts of drought.

”Our challenge during drought is to balance the needs of people, business and the environment, making sure there is enough water for everyone. We will continue working closely with water companies and the public to ensure this is the case.”