The Environment Agency has issued a drought permit to South West Water to help secure the public water supply at Wimbleball Reservoir - total storage capacity was at 18% as of 4 October.
Photo: Wimbleball Reservoir at 18% of storage capacity as of 4 October
The reservoir level is exceptionally low for this time of year - at this time last year the reservoir was 30%.
South West Water initially applied for the drought permit on 16 September but amended it 13 days later. Due to the worsening situation, the firm applied for a case of urgency on 1 October to remove the need for public examination of objections. This was accepted and the Environment Agency granted the permit on 2 October.
The permit will remain in effect until 28 February 2027 unless South West Water withdraws it before then.
Wimbleball Reservoir in Exmoor, Somerset serves 390,000 people. The permit will temporarily allow South West Water to pause normal compensation flow to the River Haddeo, but only while it releases at least the same volume of water downstream to support abstraction from the River Exe for public supply. This will help conserve Wimbleball’s water storage, with conditions attached to protect the Haddeo, the Exe, and the habitats and wildlife they support.
However, the Environment Agency has been clear that the permit alone will not be enough to secure supplies, and South West Water must continue to follow its drought plan. The company has also applied to Defra for a non-essential use ban, which would restrict water use for some businesses across Mid Devon and parts of East Devon and Dorset.
This comes as the National Drought Group, with Environment Agency attendance, continues to meet weekly throughout the summer to coordinate the response across the water sector.
The Environment Agency is continuing to scrutinise water companies to ensure they stick to their statutory drought plans. This includes enhanced monitoring, more checks on abstractors, and faster processing of drought permit applications, protecting public water supplies while balancing the needs of the environment and local wildlife.
Joanne Laeger, area drought manager of the Environment Agency, said:
“Drought has not gone away with the arrival of autumn and the rain that would normally accompany the change in season.
“Steps must be taken to secure public water supply and we are keeping a close eye on the environment, ready to respond to signs of impact and distress.
“The goal is to get the most out of our water supplies and that means being extra careful in how we use it. This applies to everyone.”
The coming winter will be important for the recovery of water resources. If Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly receives above average rainfall this winter, the area may move out of drought and into a fragile state of recovery by the start of April 2027. However, it is possible the area will enter the traditionally dry months with water deficit.
South West Water initially applied for the drought permit on 16 September but amended it 13 days later. Due to the worsening situation, the firm applied for a case of urgency on 1 October to remove the need for public examination of objections. This was accepted and the Environment Agency granted the permit on 2 October.
The permit will remain in effect until 28 February 2027 unless South West Water withdraws it before then.
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