Drought permit granted to support Wimbleball Reservoir

Wimbleball Reservoir in Exmoor, Somerset serves 390,000 people. The reservoir level is exceptionally low for this time of year. Wimbleball Reservoir total storage capacity was 18% as of 4 October. At this time last year the reservoir was 30%. 

The permit will temporarily allow South West Water to pause normal compensation flow to the River Haddeo, but only while it releases at least the same volume of water downstream to support abstraction from the River Exe for public supply. This will help conserve Wimbleball’s water storage, with conditions attached to protect the Haddeo, the Exe, and the habitats and wildlife they support. 

Wimbleball Reservoir was 18% full as of 4 October

However, the Environment Agency has been clear that the permit alone will not be enough to secure supplies, and South West Water must continue to follow its drought plan. The company has also applied to Defra for a non-essential use ban, which would restrict water use for some businesses across Mid Devon and parts of East Devon and Dorset. 

This comes as the National Drought Group, with Environment Agency attendance, continues to meet weekly throughout the summer to coordinate the response across the water sector. Wholesale reform of the industry is also planned through the government’s strengthened Water Bill, with further details to follow in the coming months. 

The Environment Agency continues to scrutinise water companies to ensure they stick to their statutory drought plans. This includes enhanced monitoring, more checks on abstractors, and faster processing of drought permit applications, protecting public water supplies while balancing the needs of the environment and local wildlife. 

Bessom Bridge has become visible in Wimbleball Reservoir as water levels have dropped

Joanne Laeger, area drought manager of the Environment Agency, said:  

“Drought has not gone away with the arrival of autumn and the rain that would normally accompany the change in season.