Full Breakdown
Drought Lowers Ladybower Reservoir, Exposing the Lost Villages of Derwent and Ashopton
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Core Event: Reservoir Levels Drop Below One-Third, Revealing Flooded Settlements
A prolonged summer drought in the East Midlands has left Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire at just under 32 % of its capacity. The receding water has uncovered stone foundations, cottages and a pump house from the villages of Derwent and Ashopton, which were deliberately flooded in the 1940s to create the reservoir.
Background & Context
Ladybower Reservoir was constructed between 1935 and 1943. To form the water-storage basin, the Derwent Valley was inundated, submerging the entire communities of Derwent and Ashopton. At the time, the scheme faced strong opposition from local residents but was pursued to supply fresh drinking water to the rapidly expanding industrial cities of Derby, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leicester.
Data & Statistics
- Current water level: just under 32 % of full capacity (Environment Agency).
- Drought extent: approximately 82 % of England remains in drought conditions (Environment Agency).
- Reservoir strain: 18 major reservoir groups across England are operating at less than half their normal capacity (Environment Agency).
- Storage capacity of Ladybower Reservoir: 2,869 megalitres of water (facility specifications).
Official Statements & Responses
A company spokesperson emphasized the safety risk and urged the public to follow the marked routes.
Doug Clarke, water resources lead at Severn Trent, explained that six months of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures have driven the decline. He noted that, despite the current shortfall, the region has stored more water than at the same time last year and that reservoirs account for roughly one-third of regional water supplies, with the remainder sourced from rivers and groundwater. Clarke added that the utility’s teams are operating around the clock to treat additional water and repair leaks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've seen six months of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures so reservoir levels will take time to recover, but overall, across our region we've more stored than this time last year.” — Doug Clarke
- “We've seen six months of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures, so reservoir levels will take time to recover,” — Doug Clarke
Why It Matters
Ladybower Reservoir supplies drinking water to Derby, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leicester. The severe depletion underscores the vulnerability of England’s water infrastructure during extended dry periods. Water managers stress the need for continued public conservation to preserve the limited reserves until autumn and winter rainfall can replenish both groundwater and reservoir stores. The re-emergence of the lost villages also serves as a visual reminder of past engineering decisions made to meet growing urban demand, now intersecting with contemporary climate challenges.