South West Water is inviting customers to attend a series of community drop-in events, providing them with the opportunity to speak directly with teams about the ongoing severe drought and the support available.

The drop-ins have been organised to help answer questions and concerns following the announcement from the Environment Agency last week that areas of Devon and Cornwall are in severe drought.

The South West is facing a critical challenge. Months of exceptionally dry weather and the hottest summer on record have left water resources under significant pressure, with some reservoirs now at critically low levels. Recent rainfall has provided some welcome relief but falls short of what is needed to secure a sustained recovery. 

The company is highlighting the importance of communities working together to help ensure there is enough water available for essential use throughout the drought period.

Customers are also being encouraged to look out for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours and ensure they are aware of the support available, including the Priority Services Register.

This free service provides support for customers who need extra assistance, including those with a disability or medical condition.

Starting this Sunday in Exmouth, teams will be on hand to explain the factors behind the current drought conditions, what actions South West Water are taking to protect supplies, and what customers and businesses can do to play their part.

The events will be held:

  • 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, TBC, The Moor, 21 Killigrew Street
  • Dawlish - Sunday 13 December, 10am to 4pm, The Strand
  • Teignmouth- Sunday 20 December, 9am to 1pm, Teignmouth Triangle

    More drop-in events are also planned to be announced soon.


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.”

South West Water 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, alongside the potential to increase treatment capacity at some of their water treatment works. South West Water is also adapting operational arrangements and maximising available resources to help preserve reservoir storage while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water.

For the full list of the events, visit: Community drop-ins - Severe drought | South West Water