Severe drought has been declared across parts of southern England after months of low rainfall.
Parts of Devon and other areas of the south west are affected by the announcement from the Environment Agency, which followed a review of water resources and drought conditions across England by the National Drought Group.
Devon County Council’s Leader, Councillor Julian Brazil said:
“This crisis has been decades in the making while we’ve been paying the highest bills in the nation. South West Water’s neglect has put us here. The company has paid out millions in dividends to shareholders and not built the reservoirs Devon’s people and businesses deserved.
“The Prime Minister has promised to hold the private water companies to account. We intend to do precisely that.
“From its own deep pockets, South West Water must fund a huge communications campaign to conserve water, cut leakage, bring forward plans for new reservoirs and make sure it is keeping every customer, business and public body fully informed so we can to do what we can to help.
“They agreed to pay 10 times the paltry minimum compensation level after the Brixham water poisoning incident. If businesses and customers suffer loss during this drought they must do so again.
“It is vital now everyone across Devon does their best to conserve water to avoid restrictions which may severely affect our economy and everyday lives across a large part of the county. Simple steps such as using a water butt in the garden and not letting taps run can make a difference.
“As a Council we will be doing all we can to save water while still delivering vital public services but we cannot allow South West Water to fail again and will be holding them to account in the months to come.”
