South West Water said on 21 October 2022 that reservoir levels across the South West are very low and, in particular, extremely low in Cornwall, following one of the driest periods in the region for over 130 years. The company said levels continue to fall and will remain low for the foreseeable future without a sustained and substantial period of rainfall this autumn, which it said is not currently forecast.
Dr Lisa Gahan, the company's Director Responsible for Water Resources, said Cornwall is approaching a tipping point where demand for water exceeds supply. The company said its teams are fixing more leaks than ever before, including repairing customer leaks for free, and that so far this year it has given more than 45,000 free water-saving devices to customers, ranging from water butts to flow-reducing shower heads.
"Given the challenge our region faces, if the prolonged dry weather continues and demand doesn't decrease, this may mean the introduction of additional restrictions over the coming weeks, such as asking businesses to only use water for essential purposes."
The company said it continues to work closely with the Environment Agency on the steps in its established Drought Plan. Among other measures, it said this includes increasing supplies through the application of Drought Permits and moving water around the region to the worst affected areas. It said it will keep customers informed promptly and regularly.
| Area | Position reported on 21 October 2022 |
|---|---|
| South West | Reservoir levels very low1 |
| Cornwall | Reservoir levels extremely low; demand approaching the point where it exceeds supply1 |
| Businesses (proposed) | Possible additional restrictions, such as water for essential purposes only, over the coming weeks if dry weather continues and demand does not fall1 |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households across the South West, with the sharpest position in Cornwall. South West Water said the low levels will persist without sustained, substantial rainfall this autumn, which it said is not currently forecast. The additional restrictions it raised would fall on business use first, with the company describing a possible requirement for businesses to use water only for essential purposes. No new household restrictions were announced in the 21 October update. The company's stated position is that people living in or visiting the South West, especially in Cornwall, should do everything they can to reduce the amount of water they use, and it said it is sharing water saving advice and devices with customers. Households wanting to understand how companies plan for drought can read our guide to water company drought plans, and practical measures are set out in how to save water at home when supplies are low. The 2022 dry period sits alongside earlier events covered in past UK droughts and heatwaves. If supplies are interrupted, our guides explain bottled supplies, tankers and bowsers from your water company and how your water company will contact you in an incident.
What happens next
South West Water said additional restrictions, such as limits on business use, may be introduced over the coming weeks if the prolonged dry weather continues and demand does not decrease. It said it will continue to keep customers informed promptly and regularly as it takes steps under its Drought Plan with the Environment Agency. No date has been given for a decision.
Sources (1)
- 21 October 2022 - Update on water resources, southwestwater.co.uk
Past UK Droughts and Heatwaves
Water Company Drought Plans
Saving Water at Home
