South West Water has applied to the UK Government for permission to introduce restrictions on non-essential water use by some businesses across parts of Devon and West Dorset as drought conditions continue to affect regional water resources. The proposed restrictions would cover Exeter, Exmouth, Crediton, Sidmouth, Tiverton, Honiton and surrounding areas across Mid and parts of East Devon, as well as a small area of Dorset including Lyme Regis. Household customers would not be affected by the proposed business restrictions, although a hosepipe ban remains in place for South West Water customers.
Drought order application submitted to Defra
South West Water has submitted its application to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a drought order. If approved, it would allow the company to restrict specified non-essential uses of mains water by affected businesses. The proposed measures include restrictions on watering plants at commercial premises, filling or maintaining certain non-domestic swimming pools and ponds, vehicle washing and cleaning non-domestic buildings. Restrictions could also apply to cleaning industrial plant, dust suppression and other specified non-essential uses of mains water.
Low river flows increase reliance on reservoirs
The application follows a prolonged period of dry weather after what South West Water described as the hottest summer on record. Drought conditions continue across much of England, with parts of the South West potentially remaining in drought into spring 2027. In some parts of the region, reservoir water has been used to supplement supplies that would ordinarily be taken from rivers since as early as March. River flows have remained too low to meet demand, increasing reliance on stored reservoir water for a longer period. South West Water said recent rainfall has provided some relief, but considerably more rainfall is required before soils, rivers and reservoirs recover from the extended dry conditions.
“The South West is entering a critical phase of an exceptionally prolonged drought. While recent rainfall is helping, water resources remain under significant pressure and we continue to rely heavily on water stored in reservoirs to maintain supplies,” said Sam Bottomley, South West Water’s Director for Drinking Water Services.
Rainfall does not immediately replenish reservoirs
Bottomley said rainfall following an extended drought must initially replenish dry soils and the wider environment before river flows can return towards seasonal levels. Reservoir recovery can therefore lag considerably behind the return of wetter weather.
“Many people understandably think a drought is over once it starts raining. In reality, recovery takes much longer. After such a prolonged dry period, rainfall first has to replenish dry soils and the wider environment before rivers return to seasonal levels. Only then can reservoirs begin to recover properly.”
According to South West Water, some rivers remain at very low levels and there is no significant rainfall forecast for the coming weeks. The company said reducing demand would help preserve stored water while river flows and reservoir levels recover.
Businesses could face non-essential water restrictions
The proposed drought order is aimed specifically at non-essential commercial water consumption rather than household use. South West Water said it would provide businesses with further guidance if the application is approved.
“Applying for a drought order is a responsible step to help protect the environment and preserve the water we have available. Taking action now gives us the best opportunity to protect supplies, reducing the risk of further restrictions and supply outages while water resources remain under pressure.” “While household customers would not be impacted, we recognise these restrictions have an impact on businesses, and we will provide clear guidance and support if the application is approved.”
The existing hosepipe ban remains in force for South West Water customers while the company continues to monitor reservoir storage, river flows and other water resources across the region.
South West Water continues supply resilience work
South West Water said it is continuing investment intended to improve the resilience of regional water supplies. Current measures include repairing around 70 leaks each day, strengthening the distribution network and carrying out improvements to reservoirs and treatment works. The company is also developing additional water resources and working with customers to reduce consumption while drought conditions persist. More information about the restrictions and the area they would cover will be published if the drought order is approved. Details of the current restrictions are available from South West Water.
South West Water has applied for a drought order that would allow restrictions on specified non-essential uses of mains water by some businesses in parts of Devon and West Dorset.
The proposed restrictions cover Exeter, Exmouth, Crediton, Sidmouth, Tiverton, Honiton and surrounding areas across Mid and parts of East Devon, as well as a small part of Dorset including Lyme Regis.
No. South West Water says the proposed non-essential use restrictions would not apply to household customers. However, an existing hosepipe ban remains in place for its customers.
Potential restrictions include commercial plant watering, certain non-domestic swimming pools and ponds, vehicle washing, cleaning buildings and industrial plant, dust suppression and other specified non-essential uses of mains water.
