South West Water issued a water resources update on 25 November 2022, reporting that recent rainfall and its own steps to increase supplies had helped river and reservoir levels stabilise, while confirming that the South West remains officially in drought. Hosepipe bans remain in place in a small part of North Devon and across Cornwall, where the company says levels remain very low.
Dr Lisa Gahan, the director responsible for water resources, said:
"Rainfall across the South West over recent weeks, alongside our proactive steps to increase supplies, has helped river and reservoir levels stabilise and slowly start to recover."
The company said customers in Cornwall will be eligible for a £30 bill credit if Colliford Reservoir reaches 30% storage capacity by 31 December 2022. It reported that levels at the reservoir had risen to 23.4% so far and were continuing to rise. South West Water described the scheme as a first of its kind customer incentive, asking everyone in Cornwall to help stop the drop in reservoir levels.
The update also set out what the company has done so far this year. It says it has given more than 45,000 free water-saving devices to customers, ranging from water butts to flow-reducing shower heads. It states that every drop saved across the South West protects the water needed now and reduces the risk of further restrictions being required in Spring/Summer 2023.
| Item | Detail given by South West Water1 |
|---|---|
| Date of update | 25 November 2022 |
| Drought status | Region remains officially in drought |
| Hosepipe bans | Still in place in a small part of North Devon and across Cornwall |
| Colliford Reservoir storage | 23.4% so far, and continuing to rise |
| Bill credit | £30 for Cornwall customers if Colliford reaches 30% by 31 December 2022 |
| Water-saving devices | More than 45,000 given free to customers so far this year |
Why it matters for households
Households in the small part of North Devon and across Cornwall remain subject to hosepipe bans, which the company says are still needed because levels remain very low. South West Water is asking everyone to reduce the amount of water they use to help recharge the region's rivers and reservoirs. Customers can check whether temporary restrictions apply in their area through the company's website, and the company also offers tips on being more water efficient at home. The background to temporary use bans is set out in the guide to hosepipe bans, and households preparing for restrictions can use the water shortage and hosepipe ban checklist.
The bill credit applies to Cornwall customers only, and only if Colliford Reservoir reaches the 30% threshold by the end of 2022. The company links lower water use now to a reduced risk of further restrictions in Spring/Summer 2023. The 2022 drought follows other dry periods covered in the guide to past UK droughts and heatwaves, and the water hub collects the site's wider material on supply and restrictions.
What happens next
The £30 bill credit depends on Colliford Reservoir reaching 30% storage capacity by 31 December 2022. South West Water says it will continue to ask customers to reduce water use while hosepipe bans remain in place. No further dates have been reported.
Sources (1)
- South West Water's Water Resources Update 25 November 2022, southwestwater.co.uk
Past UK Droughts and Heatwaves
Household Guide to Drought
