Severn Trent has applied to the Environment Agency (EA) for drought permits which will allow it to release less water than normal from its Upper Derwent Valley reservoirs into the River Derwent over the next few months.

The water company said this would enable it to keep more water in the reservoirs over the winter and spring, thereby helping to serve customers in the local area.

Although the reservoirs were full by by Spring this year since then, the utility has seen the driest six months since 1850 – although it hasn’t had to announce any hosepipe bans.

The long dry period has had an impact on reservoir levels and the forecast is currently still looking dry.

Severn Trent is applying to the EA for a Drought Permit in Derwent Valley in North Derbyshire, meaning it can release less water than normal from its reservoirs into the River Derwent and instead keep it to serve customers in the Midlands.

“This will help us make sure we have enough to last us through this winter and all the way to next summer. We are confident there won’t be any impact to your water supply”, the water company has told customers.

Severn Trent has looked closely at the River Derwent to ascertain how it might respond to the temporary change in flow. According to the utility, changes are likely to be greatest at the top end of the Derwent River, before it joins the River Wye. On average, it expects the depth to be around 10% less in this area.

Based on its environmental assessment, the company does not believe that there will be harm to wildlife or ecology in the river. However, Severn Trent commented:

”We will monitor the river closely while the Permit is in place. If we find any significant or unexpected impacts, we’ll be able to act quickly.”