Severe drought declared in Somerset as reservoir falls to 16%

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 14:32 · Archive

Wimbleball Reservoir in Somerset has fallen to just 16 per cent capacity after months of exceptionally dry weather.

Parts of Somerset have been declared to be in severe drought after Wimbleball Reservoir fell to just 16 per cent of its capacity following months of exceptionally dry weather. The reservoir normally sits at around 75 per cent full at this time of year. Parts of Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, East Sussex and West Sussex have been moved into the highest drought category.

Wimbleball supplies around 300,000 customers across the region. The South West and South East experienced their driest April to September for more than a century. The severe drought designation means the lack of water is affecting daily life and the environment, with potential significant effects on farming, communities and nature.

The government has said customers' water supplies will remain uninterrupted. Water companies have been told to step up their drought planning, monitor reservoir and river levels daily and carry out tougher water quality checks. People across affected areas are being urged to continue using water carefully.

How it is being reported

• Severe drought declared in Somerset as key reservoir running near emptyThe government says household supplies will remain uninterrupted despite growing concern over dwindling water resourcesBridgwater Mercury · 15 Oct, 14:24
• Severe drought declared in Somerset as key reservoir running near emptyThe government says household supplies will remain uninterrupted despite growing concern over dwindling water resourcesSomerset County Gazette · 15 Oct, 14:24

In this story: Wimbleball Reservoir · Somerset · Environment Agency · South West Water · Wessex Water

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