South West Water has come under intense scrutiny after advising residents to conserve water during an unprecedented heatwave, even though local reservoirs remain at 90% capacity. The water company, which supplies Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, has urged parents to be mindful when filling children’s paddling pools as soaring temperatures continue.
This guidance has sparked frustration among locals who recall the region’s recent heavy rainfall and flooding. Earlier this year, Cornwall suffered its wettest winter since 1836, and parts of Somerset experienced severe flooding that led to a major incident declaration.
Despite these conditions, as the UK endures record highs reaching 35°C in May, South West Water emphasizes the need for responsible water use. Cornwall resident Liz Northcott, 74, expressed her frustration, saying, “My great-grandchildren are in the paddling pool, and there will be no half measures. They don’t have a shortage, so why tell us to use less water?”
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Compounding the criticism, South West Water was fined £24 million in March following a series of significant sewage spills, raising questions about company priorities amid calls for public water rationing during extreme heat.
The company defends its stance, advising customers to “use water wisely” year-round, regardless of weather. Unexpected demand surges during heatwaves can strain infrastructure, even with adequate reservoir levels, industry experts explain.
This strain is visible elsewhere in the UK. Southern regions such as Kent and Sussex have faced water pressure drops and supply interruptions due to consumption jumping nearly 100 million litres above average.
South East Water reported that on May 25, 670 million litres were used—100 million litres more than typical for that time of year—leading to depleted reservoirs and reliance on tanker deliveries. Customers in elevated or remote areas continue experiencing intermittent water supplies during peak use.
As families seek cooling relief during the half-term break, sales of fans, ice, and sunscreen have surged. The heatwave has underscored ongoing challenges in balancing water supply demands with infrastructure capacity across the UK.