South West Water is holding a series of community drop-in events in Devon and Cornwall. The events give customers the chance to speak directly with its teams about the ongoing severe drought and the support available. The South West Water drought drop-ins begin in Exmouth on Sunday 25 October, with seven dates confirmed so far and further events to be announced.
The events follow last week’s announcement by the Environment Agency that areas of Devon and Cornwall are in severe drought. The water company, which is part of Pennon Group, said the drop-ins had been organised to help answer customers’ questions and concerns.
Reservoirs under pressure after record summer
According to South West Water, the region is facing a critical challenge. Months of exceptionally dry weather and the hottest summer on record have left water resources under significant pressure, and some reservoirs are now at critically low levels.
The company said recent rainfall has brought some relief but falls short of what is needed to secure a sustained recovery. It is stressing the importance of communities working together to help ensure there is enough water available for essential use throughout the drought period.
Where and when the drop-in events will take place
At each event, teams will explain the factors behind the current drought conditions. They will also set out the actions South West Water is taking to protect supplies and what customers and businesses can do to play their part. The confirmed dates and venues are:
- Exmouth: Sunday 25 October, 10am to 4pm, The Square, Exmouth
- Helston: Saturday 7 November, 9am to 1pm, The Old Cattle Market, Porthleven Rd, Helston
- Penzance: Sunday 8 November, 9am to 1pm, Penzance Library Car Park
- Bovey Tracey: Saturday 28 November, 1.30pm to 6pm, Bovey Tracey Town Centre
- Falmouth: Sunday 6 December, time to be confirmed, The Moor, 21 Killigrew Street
- Dawlish: Sunday 13 December, 10am to 4pm, The Strand
- Teignmouth: Sunday 20 December, 9am to 1pm, Teignmouth Triangle
The full schedule is published on the company’s severe drought community drop-ins page. More events are due to be announced.
Support for vulnerable customers
Customers are also being encouraged to look out for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours. They are asked to make sure these people know what support is available, including South West Water’s Priority Services Register. The free service supports customers who need extra assistance, including those with a disability or medical condition.
Dani Twelvetree, Director of Customer Communications and Engagement for South West Water, said: “We know customers will have questions about the current drought situation and what it means for them. These community drop-ins give people the opportunity to speak directly with our teams, understand the challenges we face, learn more about the action we’re taking to protect water supplies and find out how they can play a part in helping conserve water.”
Twelvetree added: “By making small changes to how we use water every day, we can all play a part in protecting supplies.”
South West Water drought measures to protect supplies
South West Water said it is taking a range of measures to manage the impact of the drought, particularly in areas where reservoir storage is under the greatest pressure. The company is exploring opportunities to take additional water from rivers where flows allow, subject to regulatory approval. It is also looking at the potential to increase treatment capacity at some of its water treatment works.
The company said it is adapting operational arrangements and making the most of available resources to help preserve reservoir storage. It added that it is continuing to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water.
H2O Global News has previously reported that South West Water customers have raised more than £11 million for WaterAid. The site has also published an explainer on what a flash drought is and how such events form.
Frequently asked questions
Why is South West Water holding community drop-in events?
The drop-ins have been organised to answer customers’ questions and concerns after the Environment Agency announced that areas of Devon and Cornwall are in severe drought. Teams will explain the causes of the drought, the company’s actions to protect supplies and what customers and businesses can do to help.
Where and when are the South West Water drought drop-ins being held?
Events are confirmed in Exmouth (25 October), Helston (7 November), Penzance (8 November), Bovey Tracey (28 November), Falmouth (6 December), Dawlish (13 December) and Teignmouth (20 December). More drop-in events are planned and will be announced.
Why is there a severe drought in Devon and Cornwall?
According to South West Water, months of exceptionally dry weather and the hottest summer on record have put water resources under significant pressure, and some reservoirs are at critically low levels. Recent rainfall has helped but is not enough for a sustained recovery.
What is South West Water doing to protect water supplies during the drought?
The company is exploring taking additional water from rivers where flows allow, subject to regulatory approval, and the potential to increase treatment capacity at some works. It is also adapting operational arrangements and making the most of available resources to preserve reservoir storage.
What is the Priority Services Register?
It is a free South West Water service that supports customers who need extra assistance, including those with a disability or medical condition.
