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Drought permit issued for Wimbleball Reservoir to secure South West water supply
Overview
The Environment Agency has issued a drought permit to South West Water as water levels at the Wimbleball Reservoir in Exmoor drop to 18% capacity. The permit allows the company to temporarily pause normal compensation flow to the River Haddeo and release water downstream for public supply. South West Water has also applied for a non-essential use ban, while officials urge the public to use water wisely following a declared drought across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly.
Key points
- The Environment Agency has approved a drought permit for South West Water due to exceptionally low water levels at Wimbleball Reservoir.
- Wimbleball Reservoir's storage is currently at 18% of capacity, supplying water to 390,000 people.
- The permit allows South West Water to pause normal compensation flow to the River Haddeo and release water downstream for public supply from the River Exe.
- The permit remains in place until the end of February 2027 unless withdrawn earlier.
- South West Water has applied for a non-essential use ban to restrict water use for some businesses in Mid Devon, East Devon, and Dorset.
- Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly were declared in drought in July following low rainfall and hot weather.