Drought questions? South West Water heads to Helston and Penzance

Wondering what the drought really means for the water coming out of your taps? Soon you’ll be able to ask the people managing it, face to face.

South West Water is running a series of community drop-in events, with stops in Helston, Penzance and Falmouth, so customers can speak directly to its teams about the ongoing severe drought and the support available.

The drop-ins follow the Environment Agency’s announcement that areas of Devon and Cornwall are in severe drought.

Why the drop-ins are happening

Months of exceptionally dry weather and the hottest summer on record have left water resources across the South West under significant pressure. Some reservoirs are now at critically low levels.

Recent rainfall has brought some welcome relief. But it falls short of what’s needed for a sustained recovery.

The company says communities working together will help make sure there’s enough water available for essential use throughout the drought period.

What you can ask about

Teams will be on hand to explain the factors behind the current drought conditions, what South West Water is doing to protect supplies, and what customers and businesses can do to play their part.

Drop-in dates and venues

The first event is in Exmouth this Sunday (25 October), with the Cornish dates following in November and December.

Cornwall

• Helston: Saturday 7 November, 9am to 1pm, The Old Cattle Market, Porthleven Road
• Penzance: Sunday 8 November, 9am to 1pm, Penzance Library Car Park
• Falmouth: Sunday 6 December, The Moor, 21 Killigrew Street (times to be confirmed)

Devon

• Exmouth: Sunday 25 October, 10am to 4pm, The Square
• Bovey Tracey: Saturday 28 November, 1.30pm to 6pm, Bovey Tracey Town Centre
• Dawlish: Sunday 13 December, 10am to 4pm, The Strand
• Teignmouth: Sunday 20 December, 9am to 1pm, Teignmouth Triangle

More drop-ins are due to be announced soon. The full list is on South West Water’s severe drought community drop-ins page.

Extra help for vulnerable customers

Customers are being asked to look out for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours, and make sure they know what support is available.

That includes the Priority Services Register, a free service for customers who need extra assistance, including those with a disability or medical condition.

What the company is doing to protect 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.

It is exploring taking additional water from rivers where flows allow (subject to regulatory approval), along with the potential to increase treatment capacity at some of its water treatment works.

The company is also adapting operational arrangements and making the most of available resources to help preserve reservoir storage, while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water.

“Small changes”

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.”