The Environment Agency issued a drought permit to South West Water to help secure public water supply at Wimbleball Reservoir in Exmoor, Somerset, the agency reported on 8 October 2026. The reservoir, which serves 390,000 people, had total storage capacity of 18% as of 4 October, described as exceptionally low for the time of year; at the same time last year it stood at 30%.

The permit, granted on 2 October and valid until 28 February 2027 unless withdrawn earlier, temporarily allows the company to pause normal compensation flow to the River Haddeo, but only while it releases at least the same volume downstream to support abstraction from the River Exe for public supply. Conditions are attached to protect the Haddeo, the Exe and their habitats and wildlife. The agency said the permit alone would not be enough and that South West Water must keep following its drought plan. The company has also applied to Defra for a non-essential use ban covering some businesses across Mid Devon and parts of East Devon and Dorset.

Area drought manager Joanne Laeger said drought had not gone away with the arrival of autumn. The agency said that if Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly receive above-average rainfall this winter, the area may move into a fragile recovery by the start of April 2027, though a water deficit remains possible.