Drought permit issued in bid to secure supply
BBCA drought permit has been approved as one of south-west England's strategic reservoirs runs "exceptionally low".
The Environment Agency has issued the permit to South West Water to help secure the public water supply.
Water levels at Wimbleball reservoir in Exmoor, Somerset, which supplies water to 390,000 people, are "exceptionally low", with storage at 18% of capacity, compared with 30% at the same time in 2025, the Environment Agency said.
The permit will allow the water company to pause normal compensation flow to the River Haddeo temporarily. It will also need to release the same volume of water downstream for abstraction from the River Exe for public supply.
The Environment Agency said the permit would not be enough to secure supplies, and the water company must continue with its drought plan.
Drought permits allow water firms to take more water from the environment during a drought while orders allow them to take more water from the environment or to restrict water use.
The permit for Wimbleball reservoir will remain in place until the end of February 2027 unless South West Water withdraws it before then.
It supplies parts of Mid Devon, all of East Devon, part of Dorset, Exmouth, Crediton, Honiton and Lyme Regis.
The firm has also applied to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a non-essential use ban, which would restrict water use for some businesses across Mid Devon and parts of East Devon and Dorset.
It comes after Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were among areas of England to be declared in drought in July after low rainfall and hot weather.
Lundy off the north Devon coast is shipping in water and using pondwater as it fears supplies will run out. The island is self-sufficient and uses rain water, so is not supplied by South West Water.
'Use water wisely'
Joanne Laeger, Environment Agency area drought manager, said: "Drought has not gone away with the arrival of autumn and the rain that would normally accompany the change in season.
"Steps must be taken to secure public water supply and we are keeping a close eye on the environment, ready to respond to signs of impact and distress."
She added: "The goal is to get the most out of our water supplies and that means being extra careful in how we use it. This applies to everyone."
The Environment Agency said the winter would be "important for the recovery of water resources".
"If Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly receives above average rainfall this winter, the area may move out of drought and into a fragile state of recovery by the start of April 2027," a spokesperson said.
"However, it is possible the area will enter the traditionally dry months with water deficit," they added.
The agency urged people to "use water wisely" with steps including taking shorter showers, fixing home leaks, swapping the hosepipe for a bucket or watering can, and using a washing up bowl and the eco mode on appliances.
