UK experiences worst drought since 1976

[MindMover]

LONDON - Half of Britain is now in drought as the country faces its most severe water shortage since 1976, the UK Environment Agency warns today.

More than 35 million people are now living in drought-affected areas, with water shortages today declared across the Midlands and South West.

Parts of the country are already drier than they were in the summer of 1976, when Britain experienced its worst drought for more than 100 years.

The drought of 1976 led to standpipes being installed in residential streets, water supplies to businesses being rationed and schools having to close early.

The Environment Agency says similar measures are unlikely to be enforced this summer, but warns the dry conditions will damage the environment and lead to widespread water restrictions, reported the Daily Telegraph.

"The lack of rain is taking its toll on the environment and farmers - causing problems for wildlife, wetlands and crop production," a spokesman said.

http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC120416-0000081/UK-experiences-worst-drought-since-1976

[LeftishBrit]

1. And a few days ago it was POURING!

Seriously, the UK is one of the few countries, at least in temperate areas, that often has droughts and flooding problems in the same year. A lot of the problem is leaking reservoirs and pipes that no one has invested in repairing. Typical example of the UK being totally unprepared for even mild extremes of weather.