A drought permit has been issued by the Environment Agency to South West Water to help secure public water supply at Wimbleball Reservoir. The reservoir, located in Exmoor, Somerset, serves 390,000 people and its level is described as exceptionally low for this time of year.
As of 4 October, Wimbleball Reservoir's total storage capacity was 18%. This is significantly lower than the 30% recorded at the same time last year.
The permit will temporarily allow South West Water to pause normal compensation flow to the River Haddeo. However, the company must release at least the same volume of water downstream to support abstraction from the River Exe for public supply. Conditions are attached to protect the Haddeo, Exe, and their habitats and wildlife.
The Environment Agency has stated that the permit alone will not be sufficient to secure supplies, and South West Water is required to continue following its drought plan. The company has also applied to Defra for a non-essential use ban, which would restrict water use for some businesses in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon and Dorset.
Joanne Laeger, area drought manager of the Environment Agency, noted that drought conditions persist despite the arrival of autumn. She emphasised the need for careful water use by everyone to make the most of available supplies.