BOSSES at South West Water have called on residents to keep saving water as the declared drought shows only minor signs of abating.

The Environment Agency has confirmed that parts of Devon, Dorset and Cornwall are in Severe Drought status.

South West Water has said that reservoir levels are dropping because water resources are being used faster than they’re replaced by rainfall.

They added that the company was ‘doing all it can to address the situation’, including managing the network and fixing more leaks.

After recent rainfall, the amount of water in the area’s reservoirs has increased from between two and 15 per cent, with the larger percentages being seen in the smaller reservoirs.

As part of its response, South West Water has been given permission to ‘optimise river extractions’ and pumping into reservoirs.

Richard Stanbrook, South West Water’s drought programme director, said: “Recent rainfall is having a positive impact on our water resources, with welcome improvements after months of exceptionally dry conditions. However, pressure on supplies remains significant, and we need sustained rainfall in the right places to replenish our rivers and reservoirs and secure a lasting recovery.

“We are repairing leaks, moving water around our network and taking every practical step to strengthen supplies and reduce water losses. As conditions improve, we will keep doing everything we can to protect supplies.

“We’re grateful to everyone already saving water and we are asking households and businesses to keep making every litre count, whatever the weather.”

A spokesperson for South West Water explained why the reservoirs were so low. They said: “Following the hottest summer ever recorded, drought conditions continue across much of England. You might be wondering how we could be in drought at this time of year when there has been some rain.

“The answer is that the rain we have had is not enough to counteract all the months we had with high temperatures and low rainfall. Much of the rainwater has been absorbed by dry soil, rather than adding to river flows.

“We usually take water from rivers to top up reservoirs or supply treatment works directly, but river flows are still not strong enough. This means we have to rely on the water that’s stored in your local reservoir. And that water is now limited.”

They also explained what they were doing to help maintain water, adding: “Throughout this unprecedented summer, we have been monitoring water resources carefully and doing all we can to manage supplies. We have been moving water between supply zones and fixing an average of 73 leaks a day.

“However, there is a limit to what we can do. That’s why we’re asking you to reduce your water use wherever possible.

“We know some customers need to use more water because of a medical condition, disability or caring responsibilities. Please continue to use the water you need for your health, wellbeing and essential daily activities.

“However, if you're able to make small changes to reduce non-essential water use, every drop saved will help protect supplies for everyone. “