Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public from June 21 to June 24 due to a forecast of extreme heat. Bristol Water announced the closure as a precautionary measure to keep visitors safe during a period expected to bring soaring temperatures and minimal shade around the reservoir’s paths.
The closure is part of Bristol Water’s routine water safety practices, aimed at preventing accidents and minimizing strain on emergency services, which are anticipated to be under increased pressure due to the heatwave.
“There will be no public access to Cheddar Reservoir between Sunday, June 21, and Wednesday, June 24,” Bristol Water confirmed. “With extreme heat and very little shade along the reservoir’s permissive path, we want everyone to stay safe. The water may look inviting during hot weather, but it is extremely dangerous, and we do not want to add extra demands to emergency services during an already busy period.”
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The Met Office has issued an amber ‘extreme heat’ warning for Somerset, the South West, and South East England. This warning is active from 1am on Monday, June 22, until 11:59pm on Tuesday, June 23. Temperatures are predicted to reach the mid-30s Celsius on both days, with nighttime temperatures remaining above 20°C.
In addition, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the South West, effective from midday on Thursday, June 18, through to 8pm on Tuesday, June 23. The agency warns that the high temperatures are likely to cause significant impacts on health and social care services across the region.
Cheddar Reservoir holds a capacity of 135 million gallons of water. In 2017, paddle boarding was introduced at the reservoir through a collaborative initiative involving local ecologists, Natural England, and Cheddar Watersports Club.