Extreme weather - featuring droughts and floods.

Action on the Water Front!

Report of LA21 `Extreme Weather' Public Meeting - 7th October 2004

Summer 2004 has seen some extremely hot, dry times as well as intensely heavy rain. `Extreme Weather' was the theme at the latest public meeting of Woking Local Agenda 21 held at the H.G. Wells centre on 7th October. Chairman Gill Stribley referred to previous meetings giving the meteorological and biological evidence that climate change is already happening. She quoted Sir David King, the government's chief scientific adviser, who states that there is overwhelming international agreement amongst scientists for the reality of climate change. Although the extent of climate change depends on the level of greenhouse gas emissions, the challenges of climate extremes such as droughts and floods, (already ongoing partly because of past emissions) have to be met.

Owen Turpin explained how the Environment Agency has to manage our water resource over the next 30-100 years, considering such things as social and economic change, land use and urban development, and the impacts of climate change. Awareness of flood risk and how to mitigate against damage is available on their website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

The active role of Woking Borough Council in managing urban flooding was described by Sean Rendall. Sudden, severe and unexpected flooding is likely to increase with wetter winters and heavier and more frequent storms falling on dry soils in hotter summers. Misconnection of drainage pipes can result in storm water causing sewage systems to overflow resulting in health risks and costly clean up. Sustainable drainage systems are being promoted to developers, from recycling rain water and water butts to soak aways, porous pavements and balance ponds, which can be a positive benefit to wildlife and house prices!

Water supply aspects were addressed by Mike Pocock of the Three Valleys Water Company. Water use has increased three fold in the last century with Woking having one of the highest per capita usage. They promote water saving such as low flush toilets, efficient washing machines and wise use of water in the garden (see Woking Local Agenda 21's Green Pages on www.woking.gov.uk). More people are taking up the offer of free installation of a meter which results in greater consciousness of this precious resource and often a lower water bill! (see www.3valleys.co.uk).