Source Of The Thames Dries Up For First Time; River Now Rises 5 Miles Downstream
The source of the Thames has dried up during the drought, with river experts saying it is the first time they have seen it happen while forecasters warn of further high temperatures to come. The river’s source has shifted from its official start point outside Cirencester during the continuing dry weather and is now more than 5 miles (8km) downstream.
Dr Rob Collins, director of policy and science at the Rivers Trust, said: “Following the prolonged dry weather, the source of the Thames in Gloucestershire has dried up, with a weak flow now only just about discernible more than 5 miles downstream (at Somerford Keynes).
“Under our changing climate we can anticipate the frequency and severity of such periods of drought and water scarcity to intensify, with increasing competition for a dwindling resource and devastating impacts on aquatic life.” The Met Office said on Thursday that the heatwave and dry weather show no signs of letting up, with little rain forecast for the next week and temperatures that could rise to the mid-30s.
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Even as the source of the Thames shifts during the dry weather, Thames Water has not implemented restrictions on water use such as a hosepipe ban. Instead it is asking users to be judicious with their tap water, doing things such as turning off the tap while brushing their teeth. Government sources revealed on Wednesday they were frustrated that water companies were not putting hosepipe bans in place.
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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/04/source-of-river-thames-dries-out-for-first-time-during-drought?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_b-gdnnews&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1659634443