South West Water to stage 'drought drop in' sessions next month
The water firm says it wants to outline the support available
Last updated 24th Oct 2026
South West Water is hosting its first community drop-in event next month, after a severe drought was declared in parts of the West Country.
The firm says it is an 'opportunity to speak directly with teams about the ongoing severe drought and the support available'.
The first event was due to take place today but was cancelled with the organisation saying:
"We’re no longer able to attend tomorrow’s planned event in Exmouth as we prioritise our operational response following Storm Austen.
We know how important it is to be out in our communities, listening to customers and answering your questions, so we’re disappointed not to be there."
Last week Minehead and Tiverton MP Rachel Gilmour accused the firm of poor performance, citing figures suggesting it was leaking more than 100 million litres a day, or 39.3 billion litres over the 2024/25 period.
Earlier this week the water firm issued advice saying leaking toilets can waste up to 400 litres of water daily.
The water firm has also applied to Government for permission to legally restrict non-essential water use if needed, due to low reservoir levels
The Wimbleball Reservoir had been at 21 per cent at the end of September, which fell to 13 per cent earlier this week. The latest reservoir levels can be found here
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.
"By making small changes to how we use water every day, we can all play a part in protecting supplies.”
More drop-in events are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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, TBC, The Moor, 21 Killigrew Street
Dawlish - Sunday 13 December, 10am to 4pm, The Strand
Teignmouth- Sunday 20 December, 9am to 1pm, Teignmouth Triangle