A hosepipe ban imposed by South West Water in July last year will end in September after reservoir levels returned to more normal levels, the company has said.
Cornwall and North Devon were subject to restrictions after drought was declared across the region. Reservoir levels remained low, which meant the consumption limitations remained in place over the winter and spring. Heavier rainfall this summer combined with water saving efforts due to the ban meant the company will end the temporary restriction in the autumn.
A ban will remain in place in other parts of Devon, which was put in place on April this year. South West said this could last until December because supply reserve levels are not where they need to be.
“Colliford Reservoir is at 57% storage, up 19% from last year. Climate change has shown how unpredictable weather patterns can be and we must continue to protect the region’s rivers and beautiful natural resources,” a spokesperson at South West explained. The company is continuing its Save Every Drop campaign to underline the importance of water as a resource.
“We will continue to closely monitor water resources, the weather and demand. We have been working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure any decisions are taken responsibly. We appreciate the efforts of our customers, visitors and businesses in conserving water,” the spokesperson said.
The region officially remains in drought despite a wetter summer than 2022. The company will invest £125 million in additional resources and supplies during this asset management period (AMP7) to 2025. This includes desalination, converting old quarries into reservoirs and developing novel storage options.
In Devon, two major transfer schemes are being developed to come online this year and next. Infrastructure and investment will increase water supplies by 45% in Cornwall and 30% in Devon over the next two years.
At the end of June, South East Water announced a hosepipe ban would be in place to ease the strain on its network during the short-lived hot weather. The company lifted it within six weeks and no further restrictions have been required.
After heavy rains in July and early August, groundwater and reservoir levels are significantly higher than the same period last year.