South West Water said on 3 November 2026 that recent rainfall is improving its water resources, but that pressure on supplies remains significant across parts of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, which the Environment Agency has confirmed are in severe drought status1. The company's Drought Programme Director, Richard Stanbrook, gave the update, and a hosepipe ban remains in place across its network1.
"Recent rainfall is having a positive impact on our water resources, with welcome improvements after months of exceptionally dry conditions. However, pressure on supplies remains significant"
The company said reservoir levels are dropping because water is being used faster than it is replaced by rainfall, and that much of the recent rain has been absorbed by dry soil rather than adding to river flows1. It said river flows are still not strong enough to top up reservoirs or supply treatment works directly, so supplies depend on stored reservoir water, which it describes as now limited1. South West Water said it has been moving water between supply zones and fixing an average of 73 leaks a day1. It attributed the drought to the hottest summer ever recorded, followed by continuing dry conditions across much of England1.
The areas affected, as set out by the company, are:
South West Water directs customers to a postcode checker to confirm whether their address falls within the severe drought area1. It said the hosepipe ban remains in place, though as autumn progresses it has less impact on demand1.
Why it matters for households
Households in the affected parts of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset are in an area of severe drought, with a hosepipe ban in force across South West Water's network1. The company asks households and businesses to "keep making every litre count, whatever the weather"1. It advises shorter showers, noting a shower uses ten litres of water a minute and suggesting four minutes or less; turning the tap off while brushing teeth, which it says could save as much as 20 litres each time; and checking toilets for leaks, which it says can waste up to 400 litres a day1. It said customers who need more water because of a medical condition, disability or caring responsibilities should continue to use the water they need for health, wellbeing and essential daily activities1. For general household preparation, see the site's guide to drought and its drought topic page.
What happens next
South West Water said it will keep doing everything it can to protect supplies as conditions improve, and that sustained rainfall in the right places is needed to replenish rivers and reservoirs and secure a lasting recovery1. No date has been given for lifting the hosepipe ban or the severe drought status1.
Sources (1)
- Severe drought | South West Water, southwestwater.co.uk
Household Guide to Drought
