Monday 1 August 2016

Water tanks end Devon island’s drought

South West Water have sent four 900 litre tanks of water to an island off Devon during a shortage.

The three mile-long Lundy island in the Bristol Channel is reliant on rainfall for its water supplies and recent dry weather has reduced availability. There are water restrictions in place and everyone is urged to use water wisely.

This island can accommodate around 160 people in the peak season but is home to only 30 permanent residents.

The water tanks, known as bowsers, will supply their homes as well as 23 Landmark Trust properties and a campsite.

Island Manager Derek Green explained: “The weather in the first half of the summer has been fairly calm which has been great for our visitor numbers but the lack of rainfall has put pressure on our water supplies. We’re grateful to South West Water for sending us these bowsers which will help us move water round the island and make sure no-one runs out.”

This is the second time South West Water bowsers have made the trip to Lundy Island. In 2001 two were sent over after a water tank ruptured in dry weather.