South West Water applies to legally restrict commercial and non-domestic water use
The water firm has asked the Government as a result of the new 'Severe Drought' status
Last updated 16th Oct 2026
South West Water says it's applied to Government for a Non-Essential Use Ban which means it could 'legally restrict commercial and non-domestic water use during a severe drought' - but no decision has yet been made.
Yesterday the Environment Agency confirmed that parts of Devon, Dorset and Cornwall entered Severe Drought status.
Most of the water used in East Devon comes from rivers and crucially one reservoir on Exmoor called Wimbleball - which is now at 15 per cent, down from 21 per cent at the end of September.
Richard Stanbrook, Drought Programme Director, South West Water said: “The Environment Agency’s announcement that areas of Devon and Cornwall are in Severe Drought status highlights the critical phase the South West is entering of this exceptionally prolonged drought.
“While some recent rainfall has helped, water resources remain under significant pressure. We continue to rely heavily on reservoir storage to maintain customer supplies while river flows remain extremely low, with no significant rain forecast in the coming weeks.
“We are doing everything we can to manage resources, strengthen our network and fix leaks, and we need customers and local businesses to help reduce water use wherever possible to protect supplies until rivers and reservoirs can recover.”
On the NEUB application, Sam Bottomley, South West Water’s Director for Drinking Water Services, said: “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 South West Water continues to rely heavily on water stored in reservoirs to maintain supplies.
"Every day we continue to draw on our reservoirs to keep water flowing to homes, businesses and communities while river flows remain below the levels needed to support public water supply. 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.
"Some of those rivers still remain at their lowest levels and with no significant rain forecast for the coming weeks, the immediate challenge is reducing demand and preserving enough stored water to maintain supplies until river flows and reservoir levels recover.
"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. In the meantime, the hosepipe ban remains in place for all of our customers, and need customers to continue to take steps to reduce their water use as we do everything we can to protect water supplies.”
South West Water applies for non-essential water use restrictions due to pressure on local water resources | South West Water
What does the water firm suggest?
The water firm has released a series of water saving tips here