Lundy Island, located 10 miles off the coast of north Devon, is facing a severe water shortage after a summer with no significant rainfall since May. This has resulted in critically low water levels, leading to restrictions, limited visitor numbers, and discussions about evacuating the island's 28 residents.
Island manager Matt Scantlebury reported that two weeks ago, the island's water tanks were at 13% capacity, enough for approximately one week's supply. To address this, tonnes of water have been transported to the island in 1,000-litre containers via the MS Oldenburg boat. The campsite has been closed, toilets at the Marisco Tavern pub are shut, and bath plugs have been removed from holiday lets, with visitors asked to conserve water.
Water from Pondsbury, a freshwater pool, has been used to supplement supplies, with about 12,000 litres taken daily, raising levels to 22.5%. However, Pondsbury is now starting to run dry, and no significant rain is forecast. A new 300,000-litre water tank has been ordered, and while a desalination plant has been suggested, it is considered expensive and potentially beyond the island's energy production capabilities.
Residents and staff have adapted to conservation methods, including taking rapid showers and collecting used water for flushing toilets. Conservation farmer Tom Carr, who has been on the island for over 20 years, attributes the issue to hotter, drier summers and the island's topography, which causes rain clouds to split.