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South West Water Faces Drought Neglect Accusations in Devon

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 4:36 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil accused South West Water of neglect that contributed to severe drought.
The Environment Agency declared severe drought in east Devon and west Cornwall on Thursday.
Wimbleball Reservoir sits at 14.9% capacity and Stithians at 21.9%, far below typical 75%.
Brazil urged South West Water to fund a public campaign, cut leakage, build reservoirs and compensate losses.

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Story summary

Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil accused South West Water of neglect that contributed to severe drought.
The Environment Agency declared severe drought in east Devon and west Cornwall on Thursday.
Wimbleball Reservoir sits at 14.9% capacity and Stithians at 21.9%, far below typical 75%.
Brazil urged South West Water to fund a public campaign, cut leakage, build reservoirs and compensate losses.