Home / Environment / Devon & Cornwall Reservoirs Reach 91.4% Full After Stormy January
Devon & Cornwall Reservoirs Reach 91.4% Full After Stormy January
1 Feb
Summary
- Reservoir levels in Devon and Cornwall are at 91.4% capacity.
- January saw double the average rainfall, with three storms hitting the region.
- South West Water is confident about summer supplies, but concerns remain.
Reservoirs across Devon and Cornwall have seen a substantial increase in water levels, now standing at 91.4% of capacity. This surge is attributed to relentless rainfall throughout January, which brought double the average monthly precipitation and was punctuated by three named storms. This has significantly boosted the region's water reserves.
South West Water (SWW) expressed confidence in its ability to meet summer demand, noting that strategic reservoirs like Roadford and Wimbleball are nearly full. However, water campaigners and environmental experts have raised concerns, emphasizing the network's ongoing vulnerability. They highlight the need for long-term solutions beyond reliance on seasonal rainfall, especially in light of climate change predictions.
Past drought experiences, including a hosepipe ban in Cornwall in 2022, underscore the precariousness of the situation. SWW is exploring strategies such as desalination and pump schemes to enhance resilience. While a hosepipe ban is not anticipated, officials have not entirely ruled it out, pending future weather patterns.
