Impact of drought 'can be seen along River Severn'

The effects of this year’s drought are already visible along parts of the River Severn, according to people who use the waterway. Geoff Maguire of the Kidderminster and District Angling Association said water levels were likely the lowest he has seen. Natural Resources Wales has applied to the Welsh Government for a Drought Order covering the Welsh stretch, while the Environment Agency (EA) submitted a parallel request for the English side. If approved, the order would temporarily reduce the minimum legal water required. Current support includes reservoir releases in Wales and groundwater pumping in Shropshire, but the EA says those supplies are under increasing pressure, with Clywedog Reservoir at about 48% capacity.