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UK Reservoirs at Crisis Point: Drought Grips South West
23 Oct
Summary
- Wimbleball Lake dropped to 13% capacity due to severe drought.
- An old Victorian bridge resurfaced as water levels plummeted.
- Water usage has doubled per person in 50 years, experts warn.
The south-west of England is experiencing a severe drought, leading to a dramatic reduction in reservoir levels. Wimbleball Lake, a vital water source for approximately 400,000 people, plummeted to just 13% of its capacity by October 2026, after being full in March 2026. The prolonged dry weather has been so extreme that an old Victorian bridge, submerged for years, has reappeared.
Experts highlight that the current water crisis is exacerbated by climate change and increasing demand. Professor Hannah Cloke notes the difficulty in storing water, citing challenges with cost and land use for new reservoirs. Nicci Russell of Water Wise emphasizes that individual water consumption has doubled per person compared to 50 years ago, making water conservation crucial.
Although a new reservoir is under construction in Cheddar, it is not expected to be operational until 2035, a process taking nearly a decade. The government has committed to building nine new reservoirs across England by 2050 to improve water security. Meanwhile, Cheddar Reservoir, serving North Somerset and Bristol, is currently at 31% capacity.
