Reservoir levels across England remain under pressure following prolonged dry weather, with the Environment Agency issuing drought permits for Wimbleball in Somerset and Ardingly in West Sussex. The measures are intended to protect public water supplies, while raising concerns about the impact on rivers and wildlife.
MOST of England’s reservoirs are now classed as notably or exceptionally low after continued dry weather and not enough rainfall, and the Government is working with water companies to ensure supplies are protected.
At this time of year, the Environment Agency would expect England’s overall reservoir storage to be almost three-quarters (74.3%) full. Because of this year’s drought, most are less than half full, with concerns for Ardingly, West Sussex, and Wimbleball, Somerset, that are 23% and 21% full respectively. As a result, the agency has issued drought permits to help secure public water supplies.
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Wimbleball Reservoir, in Exmoor, serves 390,000 people. The reservoir level is exceptionally low for this time of year; its total storage capacity was 18% as of October 4, compared to 30% at the same time last year. The permit here 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.
A drought permit has also been granted to South East Water for Ardingly Reservoir, near Haywards Heath, which serves 280,000 customers. Its total storage capacity was 23% as of September 28 – the reservoir’s lowest level on record at this time of year. The permit will affect the River Ouse by leaving less water in the river at Barcombe Mills. It also means less water can be released from the reservoir to compensate the River Ouse’s Shell Brook tributary.
Richard O’Callaghan, environment planning manager of the Environment Agency, said: “Granting any drought permit is not a decision done lightly. We take great care weighing up the needs of the environment and will continue keeping a close eye on river conditions. We are staying alert for any impacts on the environment.”
This comes as Yorkshire officially entered drought status on October 9 due to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers.
