Shocking drone video shows the 'dangerously' low levels at a major reservoir amid warnings further restrictions on water use could be brought in

SWNS 2022-10-16

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This shocking drone video shows the 'dangerously' low water levels at a major reservoir following the summer drought. The footage - filmed today at Burrator on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon - shows the continuing decline in water levels, showing off parched land and stones that were previously submerged. It comes as South West Water issued a renewed plea for customers to 'preserve water' with levels continuing to drop for the "foreseeable future." One witness said: "I've never seen it this low - certainly not at this time of year. It is quite worrying." Overall storage in the five main reservoirs operated by South West Water show total storage levels at just 30.2 per cent. This includes Stithians - which supplies large amounts of Cornwall with its water - that has a current level of just 15 per cent. South West Water warned they were expecting 'continued and serious pressure on reservoir levels' into the winter months. Jo Ecroyd, drought director at South West Water, said: “Reservoir levels across Cornwall and parts of Devon remain exceptionally low and continue to drop, and will remain so for the foreseeable future without sustained rainfall following a prolonged period of drought. "We are asking customers to redouble their efforts and do more to save water to avoid further restrictions and protect the region’s precious water resources. "It is essential that people living in, or visiting the South West do all they can now to reduce the amount of water they use. "The South West has experienced it’s fourth driest period since records began over 130 years ago alongside the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the region this summer adding more pressure on water resources. "We know our customers have worked hard to reduce their usage already, but we are asking everyone to continue to work together to protect the water in the South West. "We are continuing to work around the clock to fix more leaks across our network than ever before and provide customers with the necessary advice and tools to cut their usage. "The Met Office isn’t currently forecasting significant and sustained rain into the autumn months, so we are expecting continued and serious pressure on reservoir levels this winter. "We are taking all measures possible to protect vital water supplies, which may include further restrictions in line with our Drought Plan. "Working closely with the Environment Agency, we are exploring all options and taking all necessary steps to minimise the risk to water supplies, especially in those areas where temporary restrictions have already been applied, if the prolonged dry weather continues and demand doesn’t decrease.” Earlier this week, drone images showed how water levels at another reservoir had fallen dangerously low to just 20 per cent. Photographs captured from above Wimbleball Lake, in Exmoor, reveal the worryingly low water levels against the backdrop of a barren-looking countryside landscape. The reservoir is currently measuring less than a quarter of its capacity sparking fears of the effect this summer's droughts are having on the UK water supply. The Environment Agency officially declared drought status for the area in August after the driest conditions for 90 years.

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