Devon and Somerset face severe drought as water levels drop

Devon and Somerset are experiencing a severe drought, leading Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFR) to implement voluntary water restrictions. To preserve supplies, the brigade is limiting vehicle washing to essential safety needs and avoiding the use of mains water during training drills that do not involve live fire. DSFR stated these measures will not compromise operational firefighting responses.

South West Water (SWW) reports that total reservoir levels are at 30 percent, significantly lower than the 49 percent recorded during the same period in 2025. The Wimbleball Reservoir on Exmoor is particularly affected, sitting at 13 percent capacity compared to 26 percent last year. SWW has applied for a ban on non-essential water use, which could impact certain businesses.

Local leadership has criticized SWW, noting that the company has previously failed to meet targets regarding leakages. Concerns have been raised regarding the company's distribution of shareholder dividends and executive bonuses amidst the ongoing water resource management challenges and environmental risks.