South West Water could introduce additional water usage restrictions for businesses after a reservoir reportedly dropped to just 18% full. The company has applied to the government for a Non-Essential Use Ban (NEUB), which would restrict water use by certain businesses.
Sam Bottomley, director of water services at South West Water, stated that Wimbleball reservoir on Exmoor is under 20% full. He added that "reservoirs just haven't recovered" following the hottest summer on record.
If approved, the NEUB would impact businesses in areas served by Wimbleball reservoir, including parts of Mid Devon, all of East Devon, and extending into Dorset, Exmouth, Crediton, Honiton, and Lyme Regis. Activities such as watering outdoor plants on commercial premises, operating mechanical vehicle washers, and cleaning non-domestic premises could be restricted.
The application has been made to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The government will make the final decision on whether to implement the ban.