East Anglia irrigation restrictions deepen crop losses during heatwave

Farmers in parts of eastern England have been ordered to stop drawing water from rivers as prolonged heat and dry weather place mounting pressure on crops and regional water supplies. “Hands-off flow” restrictions took effect around the South Level of the Ely Ouse catchment on July 11, affecting growers in parts of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire after river flows dropped below thresholds specified in abstraction licenses.

The restrictions have left some farms dependent on dwindling reservoirs or water purchased from neighboring growers. Tim Young, who farms near Hockwold in Norfolk, said similar restrictions contributed to a 40% decline in his onion output in 2025, when production fell to about 700 metric tons from a target of 1,200 metric tons. He expects a smaller impact this year because irrigation remained available for longer, but said wheat and barley yields on the farm’s light soils are already down about 40%. Young is exploring investment in a winter storage reservoir, although the project would require substantial financing.

The Environment Agency recorded 1,327 hands-off flow restrictions across England during the week ended July 16, up from 729 a week earlier, as river levels continued to decline. By July 23, the number had risen to 1,353, while all East Anglia catchments had entered “prolonged dry weather” status, one stage before a formal drought declaration. The National Farmers’ Union is seeking greater support for on-farm reservoirs and more flexible management of available water. The agricultural restrictions coincide with an Anglian Water hosepipe ban that took effect on July 11 after an exceptionally dry spring and successive heatwaves increased household demand.

Source: Eastern Daily Press