The South West is experiencing an exceptionally warm and dry period, with prolonged sunshine, low rainfall and high temperatures placing growing pressure on water resources across the region.
According to the Met Office, the UK has already experienced three heatwaves in 2026, with another potential heatwave arriving this week, and the period from March to July has been one of the driest on record.
With less rainfall replenishing rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources, and demand rising during hotter weather, water resources are coming under increasing pressure.
As a result, river levels in some areas are lower than would normally be expected for this time of year. To help protect the environment during periods of dry weather, South West Water releases water from reservoirs to support river flows, while continuing to supply drinking water across the region.
Heatwaves don’t just affect the environment; they also increase demand for water. That’s why South West Water is encouraging customers to use water wisely this summer, helping to protect supplies and support the wider environment during prolonged dry weather.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Will Lang, said: “The South West, like much of southern England, has experienced a notably warm and dry first half of summer. July has been particularly dry, with some locations recording very little or no rainfall so far this month.
“The UK has already seen three heatwaves in 2026 and, while there are some signs of more unsettled weather at times into early August, any rainfall across southern areas is unlikely to be widespread or substantial. As a result, many parts of the South West are likely to continue experiencing predominantly dry conditions over the coming weeks, and it remains uncertain how much meaningful rainfall will reach those areas that have been driest in recent weeks.
"The Met Office will continue to work closely with partners, including the water sector, providing forecasts and guidance to support planning and decision-making during this period of prolonged dry weather."
Investing to build resilience
While dry periods have always been part of the UK's weather, climate scientists predict that hotter summers and longer dry spells will become more common in the future.
These conditions have prompted comparisons with the drought of 1976, one of the UK's most significant drought events. While weather conditions can be compared across time, water resources are managed very differently today than they were 50 years ago.
Alongside improved forecasting, advanced monitoring of reservoir and groundwater levels and detailed drought planning, South West Water benefits from additional water storage provided by its three largest reservoirs - Colliford, Roadford and Wimbleball - none of which existed during the drought of 1976.
Building resilience now is essential to ensure water supplies are reliable and sustainable for future generations.
South West Water is investing £2.5 billion up to 2030 to improve water and wastewater services, strengthen resilience and enhance environmental performance across the region.
This includes upgrading water treatment works, reducing leakage, expanding smart metering, connecting strategic reservoirs and strengthening the region's resilience to future dry weather.
Alongside investment in infrastructure and operations, the company is taking a nature-based approach to improving water resources.
To help protect and improve the water environment, South West Water is working in more than 80% of drinking water catchments creating reed beds, restoring peatlands and expanding the award-winning Upstream Thinking programme to improve water quality and support the environment through natural solutions.
Kim Williams, Head of Water Resources at South West Water, said: "The hot and dry weather we have experienced this year is affecting rivers, wildlife, agriculture and communities across the South West.
"Periods of prolonged dry weather create a challenge because water sources receive less replenishment from rainfall at the same time as demand increases.
"We're investing in both our infrastructure and the natural environment to strengthen resilience, but customers can help too. Small changes made by lots of people can make a real difference in supporting the environment and protecting water resources."
How customers can help save water
Customers can help protect water resources by making small changes at home, including:
- Taking shorter showers
- Turning off the tap while brushing their teeth
- Only using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
- Fixing dripping taps and leaking toilets
- Using a watering can rather than a hosepipe
- Collecting rainwater in a water butt to use for gardening
- Watering plants in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
By making these small changes at home, customers can help reduce pressure on rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources, support the environment and help ensure water remains available for communities, businesses and wildlife during periods of prolonged dry weather.
For more information about how to save water visit https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/household/your-services/save-water