South West Water Drought Plan March 2013

Transcription

1 South West Water Drought Plan March 213 southwestwater.co.uk

2 Contents Executive summary 3 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview of process Specific information in relation to South West Water Baseline water resources situation and Levels of Service Pre-draft and Draft Drought Plan consultation details Statement of Response Revised Draft Drought Plan 1 2 Drought triggers and scenarios 2.1 Introduction Groundwater triggers Surface water triggers and curves Forecasting Scenario testing and links to actions Historic droughts Climate change 2 3 Drought management actions 3.1 General Demand-side drought management actions Supply-side drought management actions 26 4 Environmental impacts 4.1 General Environmental assessment Environmental data provision and Monitoring Plan Mitigation measures Habitats Regulation Directive and Strategic Environmental 28 Assessment 5 Management and communications strategy 5.1 Management structure Roles and responsibilities Communications plan Lessons learned from previous droughts 4 6 The end of a drought and post-drought actions 6.1 Identifying the end of a drought The post-drought review 41 References 43 Page southwestwater.co.uk Page 1

3 Figures 1 Water Company Drought Plan Statutory Process 2 South West Water Resource Zones 3 Groundwater locations reported weekly in the Water Situation Report Appendix A Resource zone schematics Appendix B Example drought management curves Appendix C Drought management curves Appendix D Forecasting tools Appendix E1 Examples of strategic reservoir drought drawdowns Appendix E2 Examples of local reservoir drought drawdowns Appendix E3 Historical flow sequences Wimbleball Resource Zone Appendix F Demand-side drought management actions Appendix G Supply-side drought management actions Appendix H Significant ecological sites Appendix I Appendix J Communications Glossary Appendix K Relevant legislation for water company drought plans Appendix L Example Water Situation Report southwestwater.co.uk Page 2

4 Executive summary The purpose of this Plan is to describe how we intend to ensure that we can continue to supply the essential needs of our customers in the event of a drought. The assumptions that have been made in producing our Plan are listed together with a description of the water supply system in our area. This system consists of three large reservoirs, a number of smaller reservoirs, river intakes and some groundwater sources which are predominantly in East Devon. In order to maximise the yield of these sources, they are operated in conjunction with one another rather than as separate isolated units. The operation of our supply system is based upon a series of triggers and curves - known as drought management curves - which are calculated using computer models. The curves relate the storage in a reservoir to the time of year and the level of risk to supplies. For example, if a reservoir is only half full at the end of the summer there will be less risk to supplies than if it was half full at the beginning of summer when high demands and low rainfall might be expected in the following months. Our Plan outlines a series of options that we could adopt as reservoir storage drops in a drought. These options are divided into two categories: those which seek to reduce the demand for water and those which seek to increase the amount of water available for supply. We plan a balanced approach to drought management using options from both categories. An important element of drought management is keeping our customers and other important parties informed of the developing situation and what actions we are taking to maintain supplies; a communications plan is therefore included in our Plan. A brief description is also given of our internal arrangements for managing the drought. Droughts can vary enormously in nature, but we believe that the proposals described in this Plan provide a balanced and robust approach to maintaining essential supplies to customers, whilst minimising any potential adverse environmental effects. No information has been excluded from this plan on the grounds that it is contrary to the interests of national security. southwestwater.co.uk Page 3

5 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview of process Water Undertakers in England and Wales are required to prepare and maintain Drought Plans under Sections 39B and 39C of the Water Industry Act 1991, as amended by the Water Act 23. The purpose of the Drought Plan is to set out the short-term operational steps we may take before, during and after a drought. The Plan focuses on our possible actions if a drought was to occur under present circumstances. A summary of the steps water companies are required to follow under the legislation is shown in Figure 1. Further information is given in the Water Company Drought Plan Guideline (Environment Agency, 211). southwestwater.co.uk Page 4

6 Figure 1: Water Company Drought Plan Statutory Process (Environment Agency, 211: 3) 1.2 Specific information in relation to South West Water Previous Drought Plans We submitted our first statutory Drought Plan in 27 (South West Water, 27), although we had produced publicly available Drought Contingency Plans prior to this in accordance with the latest available Environment Agency guidelines at the time. southwestwater.co.uk Page 5

7 This Plan is an update of our 27 Plan and is produced in accordance with the Environment Agency guidelines (Environment Agency, 211) Water Resource Management Plan Our Plan is consistent with our Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) which is available on our website (South West Water, 29a). Our WRMP is based on defined Levels of Service (see Section below) Water Company Business Plan Our Plan is consistent with our Business Plan (South West Water, 29b) which sets out our strategic objectives and proposed investments. OFWAT use this plan to set our price limits for the next five years. Our Business Plan is based on defined Levels of Service (see Section below) Emergency plans Our Plan is not intended to cover details of arrangements for providing water supplies to cope with situations when there is a civil emergency as a result of water shortage, as advised by the guidelines (Environment Agency, 211). As far as we are aware, this Draft Plan is consistent with any actions in emergency plans produced by relevant responsible bodies Environment Agency Drought Plans The Environment Agency have recently re-issued their Drought Plan and issued a draft for consultation (Environment Agency, 212). There are no specific additional drought management actions relating to South West Water which are applicable to our Drought Plan Water Framework Directive - River Basin Management Plan There are no actions identified within the River Basin Management Plan that would be affected by this Drought Plan Habitats Regulation Assessment Current legislation requires us to ensure our Plan meets the requirement of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 21 and therefore we must determine and undertake, if necessary, a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) on the effects of the Drought Plan on European sites, whether within this Plan alone or in combination with other plans. An HRA refers to the assessment of the likely or potential effects of a plan on one or more European sites, including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), candidate Special Areas of Conservation (csacs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) (Environment Agency, 211a: 18). This requirement is only of relevance to any actions within this Drought Plan; abstractions that occur southwestwater.co.uk Page 6

8 under our usual licensed abstractions are covered within the abstraction licensing system. The need and applicability for an HRA as a result of our Drought Plan is covered in Section Strategic Environmental Assessment The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive (21/42/EC) requires a formal environmental assessment of certain categories of plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. The specific need is based on multiple factors and the applicability to Drought Plans is covered in the guidelines (Environment Agency, 211a) and the UKWIR Report Strategic Environmental Assessment Guidance for Water Resources Management Plans and Drought Plans (UK Water Industry Research, 27a). As a water company, we are a responsible authority and therefore must determine if our Drought Plan falls within the scope of the SEA Directive. The need and applicability for an SEA as a result of our Drought Plan is covered in Section Baseline water resources situation and Levels of Service Resource zones Water resource planning is based on resource zones which are defined as the largest possible zone in which all resources, including external transfers, can be shared. A Water Resource Zone is therefore a zone in which all customers experience the same risk of supply failure from a resource shortfall. We use three resource zones - Colliford, Roadford and Wimbleball - for planning and managing our water resources. The resource zones in our Drought Plan are consistent with the resource zones in our WRMP (South West Water, 29a). Each resource zone is served primarily, but not exclusively, by one of the three strategic reservoirs: Colliford, Roadford and Wimbleball. For example, customers in the Roadford Resource Zone have a very high proportion of their water supplied by Roadford Reservoir and its associated sources, but a small proportion of their water is provided by transfers from the Wimbleball Resource Zone. The key reservoirs in each resource zone are shown in Figure 2. Resource zone schematics are shown in Appendix A. southwestwater.co.uk Page 7

9 Figure 2: South West Water Resource Zones ILFRACOMBE Wistlandpound Wimbleball Resource Zone BIDEFORD BARNSTAPLE Wimbleball TORRINGTON BUDE Upper Tamar Lake TIVERTON CREDITON OKEHAMPTON HONITON Roadford Meldon EXETER Colliford Resource Zone NEWQUAY Porth LAUNCESTON Crowdy Stannon Park Colliford Siblyback BODMIN Burrator PLYMOUTH Fernworthy KTT NEWTON Venford ABBOT Avon TORBAY EXMOUTH SIDMOUTH LYME REGIS ST AUSTELL CAMBORNE REDRUTH Stithians TRURO Roadford Resource Zone Drift PENZANCE Argal FALMOUTH Further information on our resource zones is also given in our WRMP (South West Water, 29a). We have one small import (Smeatharpe) and two small exports (Charmouth and Wellington) of treated water with Wessex Water. Discussions with Wessex Water have confirmed that we would not expect these small transfers to be either increased or decreased during a drought. Wessex Water were granted a variation to their licence to abstract from Wimbleball Reservoir on 12 August 211 (Licence number 14/45/2/221). There is no impact on our Wimbleball Reservoir drought triggers and curves. This is because Wessex Water and ourselves have taken account of the variation when deriving our pumped storage curves for Wimbleball Reservoir Levels of Service The design standard against which a Company manages the water supply system is termed the Levels of Service. The Levels of Service detail the frequency with which a Company might need to impose drought management measures which may have an adverse effect either on customers or the environment. southwestwater.co.uk Page 8

10 Our policy is to try to avoid imposing demand restrictions, such as temporary water use restrictions, or seeking Drought Orders and in this we have been successful for the last sixteen years. It is also our policy to balance the direct effect on customers with that on the environment. For the purposes of planning we use the following Levels of Service: Customer Levels of Service: A major publicity campaign requesting voluntary savings of water not more than once in every 1 years on average A hosepipe ban 1 not more than once in every 2 years on average, resulting in a 5% reduction in demands 6 month maximum duration of a hosepipe ban 1 A ban on the non-essential use of water not more than once in every 4 years on average, resulting in a further 5% reduction in demands 4 month maximum duration of a ban on the non-essential use of water The use of rota cuts or standpipes is regarded as unacceptable for water resource planning purposes Environmental Levels of Service: The use of Drought Orders or Drought Permits reducing compensation or prescribed flows not more than once in every 2 years on average 2 The above Levels of Service are used within our WRMP (South West Water, 29a) and Business Plan (South West Water, 29b). Our customer research showed no support for a deterioration in Levels of Service and no desire to pay for enhanced Levels of Service Supply demand balance Our WRMP (South West Water, 29a) shows the supply demand balance for each of our resource zones. In all of our resource zones, for our design planning scenario and Levels of Service, as outlined in above, supply is greater than demand for the period of this Drought Plan. 1 Now encompassed in legislation regarding temporary water use restrictions 2 The use of Drought Orders or Drought Permits of this nature is not currently envisaged to be required within the lifetime of this Plan southwestwater.co.uk Page 9

11 1.4 Pre-draft and Draft Drought Plan consultation details Consultation is an important element in the process of our Drought Plan. As part of the preparation of this plan we advised various organisations, which included Defra, Environment Agency, Natural England and OFWAT that we were commencing a review of our Drought Plan and would appreciate any comments at this early stage of the process. We have taken account of responses we have received in this Draft Plan. Copies of our Draft Plan (South West Water, 212a) were published on our website ( and in paper form, with copies being provided to our statutory consultees as listed in the Drought Plan Regulations 25 (see Appendix K). We held a consultation period on our Draft Plan, along with providing details of how and when representations can be made. In particular we used the period of consultation, as appropriate, to provide an opportunity to introduce and explain the differences in procedure as a result of the new legislation regarding any possible future demand restrictions. 1.5 Statement of Response During the period of public consultation, we received responses from various organisations which for simplicity, we have listed in alphabetical order as below:- Consumer Council Devon County Council English Heritage Environment Agency London Fire Brigade Natural England OFWAT Following the close of the consultation period, we produced and published the required Statement of Response (South West Water, 212b) and we notified directly those who have made representations to our Draft Plan. The Statement detailed the consideration we gave to the representations we received; outlined any changes we made to the plan and the reasons for making these changes, and described and gave reasons why we have not made changes as a result of representations. 1.6 Revised Draft Drought Plan Following publication of our Statement Of Response, we received further information from DEFRA regarding our Plan. southwestwater.co.uk Page 1

12 This Revised Draft Drought Plan is a modification of our Draft Drought Plan (South West Water 212a) and takes into account revisions shown within our Statement of Response along with revisions as a result of the letter we received from DEFRA in September 212. southwestwater.co.uk Page 11

13 2 Drought triggers and scenarios 2.1 Introduction We have developed a series of drought triggers which encompass forecasting, monitoring and discussions with the Environment Agency as a drought develops. It must be recognised that each drought is different in terms of severity, location, duration and impact and therefore the Drought Plan must be flexible within an agreed consistent framework. We use the drought triggers to identify when we should consider implementing specific drought actions to reduce demand and, if necessary, to obtain extra resources. However, it should be noted that our triggers are used as part of a framework for drought management. Professional judgement, along with information such as river and rainfall data, is also used during each specific drought situation to assess what actions are appropriate. 2.2 Groundwater triggers For the majority of groundwater abstraction sites in our area, the controlling constraint is either an abstraction licence limit or the abstraction capacity of the source. As a consequence the impact on supply capability of a groundwater drought in our area is significantly less critical than that of a surface water drought. The groundwater sources are operated in conjunction with the surface water sources and hence it is more appropriate to identify triggers within the remaining storage in the surface water reservoirs. We still monitor the groundwater levels to assist us with the operation of our sources. For example, groundwater level data from three monitoring sites is reported in our weekly Water Situation Report (see Appendix L). At a few local groundwater sites, output could be affected by low flows; examples include Otterton 1A Borehole, Vennbridge and Duckaller Boreholes and Wilmington Springs. The lower projected output during periods of low flow from sources such as these is taken account of in the derivation of the triggers in our surface water reservoirs. Our groundwater sources contribute approximately 1% of the water we put into distribution. 2.3 Surface water triggers and curves Description of triggers, reservoir control curves and link to Levels of Service The essence of our Drought Plan is a series of drought management triggers which relate drought management actions to the remaining reservoir storage through a series of control curves. We have developed these at resource zone level, as well as at a more local level. The curves are operated in conjunction with each other as appropriate. Local curves can also be used to southwestwater.co.uk Page 12

14 give guidance should a very severe drought develop that is only localised in nature. The curves divide the storage of the strategic reservoirs into Zones A, B, C and D and the storage of local reservoirs into Zones A, B and C. Example templates are given in Appendix B. The zones relate to the Levels of Service described in Section above and define drought management actions that could be taken. For example, if the reservoir storage is in Zone C, then the possible actions could include a temporary water use restriction for certain activities (formally termed hosepipe bans), or supply side actions such as the use of existing licensed sources not usually in supply. It should be noted that Zone D actions (bans on the nonessential use of water) are only triggered by strategic reservoir storage. As every drought is different in nature, we also use other data and information such as local river or rainfall data to help inform the most appropriate drought management action. Similarly, drought management actions may be implemented on either a whole Water Resource Zone or a local reservoir area depending on circumstances and the type of drought being experienced. The sequence of actions defined by our zones are consistent with the Environment Agency s guidelines (Environment Agency, 211), and there is a balance between supply-side and demand-side actions. These actions are detailed further in Section Derivation of triggers and reservoir curves The derivation of our drought triggers and reservoir curves is consistent with our assessment of Deployable Output in the WRMP (South West Water, 29a). The triggers and curves were derived using historical rainfall records, reservoir levels, river flows and groundwater levels as well as our computer model 3 of the three Water Resource Zones. The triggers and curves have been derived using historic flow records post 1957 for the Wimbleball and Roadford Water Resource Zones, and post 1962 for the Colliford resource zone. These flow records therefore include a variety of serious droughts eg 1959, 1975/76, 1978, 1984, 1989 and The triggers and curves for our surface water reservoirs are shown in Appendix C, where they have been grouped by Water Resource Zone. The curves are similar to those presented in our previous Drought Plan with the exception of: Meldon Since the production of the last Drought Plan we have undertaken significant work in the North Devon area to 3 The computer model is developed within Tynemarch s Miser software. southwestwater.co.uk Page 13

15 increase the flexibility of supplies eg we undertook main improvements in North Devon. Siblyback Stithians Park Lake Stannon Lake Increased flexibility as a result of the ability to use water from Park Lake. Increased flexibility as a result of work at Restormel Water Treatment Works and the associated distribution system. New abstraction licence. New abstraction licence. 2.4 Forecasting When implementing drought measures, whether they are demand-side actions (eg temporary water use restrictions, formerly termed hosepipe bans) or supply-side actions (eg distribution zone management), it is very important to take into account the time taken to implement the measures. Therefore resource monitoring and projections are regularly undertaken and updated in order to give as much warning as possible of the need for any drought measures. Further details of the monitoring and forecasting work we undertake is given below: Rainfall and river flow monitoring and forecasting As a dry spell develops, we monitor cumulative rainfall totals in the affected area for the relevant period (usually from when the reservoir was last full). These totals can be used with Tabony Tables (Tabony, 1977) to produce an assessment of the return period of the rainfall. An example is given in Appendix D, Figure D.1. We also compare river flow data in the surrounding area to data available from historic droughts and river recession curves, which helps us project when river abstractions may be affected by licence conditions, as well as providing information on the projected reservoir inflow. An example is given in Appendix D, Figure D Reservoir monitoring and forecasting In addition to the general monitoring and surveillance of the water situation using, for example, the Water Situation Report (see Appendix L), we also produce projections of how the drought might develop. Such forecasts look at alternative scenarios up to 18 months ahead for the strategic reservoirs, and for shorter periods for our local reservoirs as the majority of these are single season (ie they refill every year). southwestwater.co.uk Page 14

16 This work is probabilistic in nature and based on the use of models driven by historic flow sequences. The storage projections are interpreted in conjunction with the analysis of rainfall and river flow data. Examples of reservoir projections for our three strategic reservoirs are shown in Appendix D, Figures D.3.1, D.3.2 and D Groundwater monitoring and forecasting As detailed in Section 2.2 above, the impact on our supply capability of a groundwater drought in our area is significantly less critical than that of a surface water drought. However, we still undertake groundwater monitoring to assist us with the operation of our sources. The best indication of the state of groundwater resources is obtained by comparing current groundwater levels across the South West Region with long term statistics. Currently three locations are monitored regularly and reported each week in the Water Situation Report, and these are shown in Figure 3. Figure 3: Groundwater locations reported weekly in the Water Situation Report Station Name Location Aquifer Otterton S1 Otterton Triassic Sandstone Cofton Cross Starcross Permian Sandstone Greatwell 9 Ottery St Mary Triassic Sandstone Projections of future groundwater levels are difficult, but some early indication of what might happen can be obtained by looking at the total rainfall and trying to estimate the effective rainfall or groundwater recharge which could potentially soak into the aquifer. However, the issue of how long it may take for this water to get down to the water table is much more difficult to estimate. This is because the response in the water table is a function of both the antecedent moisture conditions within the unsaturated zone of the aquifer and also the depth to the water table. This combination of factors may result in the response times to recharge varying from between a few weeks to a few months depending on circumstances. However, we monitor the situation and keep our projections under review. Other early indications of a possible groundwater drought are: declining yields from both borehole and spring sources; possible collapse of certain production boreholes; or significant changes in groundwater quality. southwestwater.co.uk Page 15

17 2.5 Scenario testing and links to actions We have examined how effective our drought triggers are by testing different drought scenarios. This approach can be used to demonstrate how drought management actions would be implemented as reservoir storage passes through the curves described in Section 2.3. Whole resource zones have been considered in the computer simulations, but examples of reservoir drawdowns have concentrated on strategic reservoirs, given that Zone D actions are triggered only by strategic reservoir storage. The drawdowns have been calculated by simulating critical historic droughts. We have assumed the current infrastructure and operational practices. The demand level and demand patterns used in the simulations are those which might be anticipated during a drought. The simulations also include an allowance for the fisheries water bank releases. The drought control triggers and curves are based on a combination of the most severe historic low flow sequences. Therefore modelling specific drought years will not result in a drawdown that enters the lower storage zones for long periods of time. Demand management savings and supply-side drought management actions assumed are as set out in Section 3. The graphs in Appendix E1 are examples of the drawdowns that could occur in each of the three strategic reservoirs assuming the policies and measures set out in this document are followed. An example of a local reservoir (Wistlandpound) is also given in Appendix E2 to show how the strategic and local sources work in conjunction with each other. For each strategic reservoir, we show the likely drawdown for:- the whole period of record, which includes several serious droughts our area experienced, eg 1959, 1975/76, 1978, 1984, 1989 and 1995 a long-term drought, typically lasting over 2 years (1975 to 1978) a shorter duration, multi seasonal drought (1 to 2 years, typically consisting of two dry summers and an intervening dry winter) ( ). The graphs also show the impact of the drought management actions. Assigning return periods to historical droughts is complex as it is related to severity, duration and area. However, for the River Exe at Thorverton the drought of 1976 has been quoted as having a return period of greater than 5 or 1 years depending on the period being considered (Rodda & Marsh, 211). These return periods are in excess of our Levels of Service for a restriction in the non-essential use of water as described in Section southwestwater.co.uk Page 16

18 The graphs can be used to give an indication of the likely timing of implementation of the drought management actions. As referenced above, river recession curves and drawdown projections will be used to estimate when to start the preparation of drought measures which require a long lead-in time. As can be seen in the graphs, strategic reservoir storages only drop into Zone C in the extreme drought of 1975/76. This is further covered below:- Colliford Reservoir Colliford Reservoir is a multi season reservoir and hence more susceptible to longer periods of drought. The drought of 1976, which follows the dry winter of 1975/76, shows how drought measures could be introduced as the storage in Colliford Reservoir falls. The projected drawdown for this period is shown in Appendix E1, Figure E.1.3. Roadford Reservoir Roadford Reservoir is a multi season reservoir and hence more susceptible to longer periods of drought. The drought of 1976, which follows the dry winter of 1975/76, shows how drought measures could be introduced as the storage in Roadford Reservoir falls. The projected drawdown for this period is shown in Appendix E1, Figure E.1.6. Wimbleball Reservoir Wimbleball Reservoir is a single season reservoir as it benefits from the pumped storage scheme to supplement natural winter inflows. The drought of 1976 shows how drought measures could be introduced as the storage in Wimbleball Reservoir falls. The projected drawdown for this period is shown in Appendix E1, Figure E.1.9. Local reservoirs Our local reservoirs tend to be single season reservoirs ie they refill even in multi season droughts. An example of a local reservoir drawdown for the period 1975 to 1978 is given in Appendix E2, Figure E.2.1 and E.2.2. If a local source enters Zone C, it is likely there is also concern about a strategic source and a series of drought management actions may be necessary covering a range of scenarios within the affected resource zone. It can be seen that none of the critical droughts trigger the need for the implementation of any further measures to those formally identified within Appendix G of this Plan. It can also be seen that our scenario testing has considered not only the drought period of the mid 197 s but also the other serious droughts since the late 195 s. southwestwater.co.uk Page 17

19 We have also examined further the data available before this period which is described below Historic droughts As described above, the derivation of the triggers and curves along with the scenario testing is based on approximately 5 years of data and incorporates a variety of serious droughts. Nevertheless, in some areas of the country longer records are available which has enabled the study of historical droughts, and DEFRA and the Environment Agency has asked us to consider this further Current statutory and Agency guideline requirements There is no statutory requirement in either the Drought Plan or Water Resources Planning legislation to require a water company to use extended flow sequences. Indeed the latest Water resources Planning Guidelines state: In some instances, it may be appropriate to use records which commence after 192. The decision to use shorter records will depend on the nature of the source and supply system Previous work undertaken in the 199 s and 2 s The use of extended flow sequences has been considered by SWW, in conjunction with others, extensively since the 199 s. Studies have undertaken by the Institute of Hydrology (now CEH); the Environment Agency and SWW. For example:- In 1991 we commissioned the Institute of Hydrology (now the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) to derive synthetic flow sequences for the Colliford resource zone using all available flow and rainfall records. Of the 21 flow sequences that were needed only one could be extended back as far as 1939 by using rainfall records. None of the sequences could be extended back to include the drought sequence of the early 193s with any confidence. In 27, an internal report Extension of Naturalised Flow Sequences Methodology Review and Recommendations produced by the Environment Agency (South West Region) states that:- The analysis shows that unless we can go back to the 1934 drought there are no advantages in extending the sequences back pre the gauged flow data period. In the majority of our catchments it will not be possible to go back to 1934 as there is not enough southwestwater.co.uk Page 18

20 daily rainfall data available for this period (Environment Agency (South West Region), 27). On all occasions, previous work has therefore generally concluded that either it is not possible to develop robust extended flow sequences for our area, or there is no material benefit to either current water resources or drought planning work of considering the issue further. We are also concerned that the use of long-term flow sequences of dubious quality could be very misleading Work undertaken in Within the consultation process of our Draft Drought Plan, the Environment Agency expressed concern over the period of record we used and we agreed to continue work with the Agency in this area. The work consisted of the use of historical flows derived by the Agency for the Wimbleball Resources Zone and a high level analysis of historic rainfall data for the Colliford resources Zone. Wimbleball Water Resource Zone The Environment Agency provided us with a theoretically derived extended flow sequence for the River Exe. This synthetic data extends back to 1883 and hence includes the droughts of 1896, 1921 and 1933/34. We have used this data to understand the possible drawdown in Wimbleball Reservoir should similar droughts re-occur. Our work has been shared with the Environment Agency and is presented in Appendix E.3. Colliford Water Resource Zone The Environment Agency and South West Water carried out high level analysis on monthly rainfall data obtained from the National Climate Information Centre (NCIC) (Met Office Crown Copyright). The NCIC data consisted of monthly areal rainfall totals for the Seaton, Looe and Fowey NCIC catchment, for the period This catchment contains Colliford and Siblyback reservoirs and two river abstractions: the River Fowey at Trekeivesteps and the River Fowey at Restormel. As Colliford Reservoir is a multi-season reservoir, it is important to consider rainfall in consecutive multi-year periods rather than for single seasons alone. Considering rainfall, the most significant dry period prior to the period already considered in the Draft Drought Plan ( ) was However, the multi-year periods around 1921 were of a similar order to the multi-year periods around southwestwater.co.uk Page 19

21 2.6.4 Conclusion of work undertaken in The work undertaken in 211 to date showed there are no dry periods that gave cause for concern in terms of our current water resources and drought planning work. We are therefore confident that our use of data post 1957 provides a good representation of historical droughts from which to derive our drought triggers and reservoir curves, as well as our work on scenario testing in Section Planned further work 2.7 Climate change However, we are continuing to hold meetings with the Agency regarding the use of data pre 1957 and are continuing our work with the Agency to complete this work by the end of September 213. This work will include assessing flow sequences that were derived by the Agency in the 199 s; assessing whether these flows are fit for purpose; or whether new flows could be derived. If suitable extended flow sequences are available, we will use the results to test our Drought Plan. We will also review and update our Plan once the additional work is completed. Alternatively if the review indicates a material change in circumstances, we will produce a revised plan. As advised by the Environment Agency guidelines, climate change is not included in this Drought Plan. This is because the plan is an operational plan to identify actions that would be taken if a drought occurred in the immediate future under the water company s existing operational infrastructure (Environment Agency, 211). southwestwater.co.uk Page 2

22 3 Drought management actions 3.1 General As a drought develops, we consider various drought management actions to maintain security of supplies either by aiming to reduce demand (demand-side drought management actions) or to increase supplies (supply-side drought management actions). Decisions concerning possible drought actions are made in conjunction with the drought triggers and the decision making framework as described in Section 2 of this Plan. Our priority is to assess demand-side and supply-side drought management actions in terms of ease of implementation, impacts on the environment and amount of additional water gained from each action. Although we have included all reasonable foreseeable demand-side and supply-side options in our Drought Plan, given that every drought is different in nature and timing, other options may need to be considered. 3.2 Demand-side drought management actions Our demand-side drought management actions are described below and are summarised in Appendix F on the required pro forma. The actions broadly fall into three categories: (i) Demand-side actions potentially triggered by storage entering Zone B (a) Publicity, appeals for restraint and water conservation measures The initial aim of publicity is to inform customers of the water supply situation and to reinforce the message that water should be used wisely and not wasted. If the supply situation continues to deteriorate, then radio, television and press publicity is increased in frequency, the message is hardened and appeals are made to customers to use less water. These appeals are targeted both geographically and towards particular users of water. Direct mailing can also be used to send information to customers showing them how they can reduce their use of water. The tourist industry is one of the most significant economic sectors in the South West and is a major user of water. Therefore in a drought, a considerable amount of water conservation effort is directed at hotels and catering. southwestwater.co.uk Page 21

23 Further information on this action is detailed in Section 5.3. It is extremely difficult to assess the effectiveness of demand-side drought management actions compared to the potential increase of supplies provided by supply-side drought management actions and this is recognised in the Environment Agency guidelines (Environment Agency, 211). However, DEFRA and the Agency have asked to provide information on the demand savings we expect to achieve from our drought measures, and therefore for the purposes of drought planning we estimate that actions such as those above could give an estimated saving in demand in the order of 2.5%. (b) Leakage control and pressure management Although it may initially sound logical to significantly reduce leakage further during a drought, it is not as productive in water resources terms as a sustained longer term approach either in terms of results that have an impact on the drought or the effectiveness of leakage control. Our on-going leakage target of 84 Ml/d is an extremely challenging target that is below the Sustainable Economic Level Of Leakage (SELL) and therefore every year, even in non drought years, we are doing significantly more than could be expected for conserving water resources. In order to manage our leakage, the Company uses a monitoring system covering the entire distribution network of over 15, km of mains which is divided into District Metering Areas (DMAs). The number of DMAs has recently increased to 783. This system ensures that all parts of the distribution system are monitored on a continuous basis throughout the year. Our recent increase in the number of DMAs reflects the continued review of the operability and effectiveness of our DMA structure which enables us to more effectively target leakage detection activity and fix leaks more quickly. We are also increasing our investment in pressure management. This has the benefit of both managing leakage as well as extending the life of our assets. However, this is a long term programme and the implementation of new pressure management schemes takes many months the work includes for example: scheme appraisal; site surveys of potential installation locations; detailed design; communication with customers and the Fire & Rescue Service; streetworks notification as well as construction and commissioning. New schemes are generally therefore not able to be developed and implemented quickly enough for assisting with a drought situation. southwestwater.co.uk Page 22

24 Our high customer meter penetration also assists in encouraging careful use of water and minimising customer supply pipe losses, as this water is measured and the customer may be charged if they are not diligent in the repair of their leaks. However, during a drought we will minimise our water use and increase our leakage effort where practical to do so. These activities include: suspending mains cleaning activity on the network that requires controlled releases of flushing water and would attract adverse comment from the public bringing forward any pressure management schemes where practical within existing pressure management installations, trimming settings to a lower level where it is possible to do so. (However opportunities are limited as we aim to set these to minimum acceptable levels to maintain suitable supply pressures for customers) categorising a larger proportion of customer supply pipe leaks as high priority to target a shorter repair time both to minimise losses and avoid visible leaks that may be running onto the public highway increasing our leakage detection resources and mobilising additional leak repair gangs. The Company will also promote and prioritise leakage work to the most drought stressed areas. In a severe drought, these further reductions in leakage could be in the order of up to 5 Ml/d over a short term period. (ii) Temporary water use restrictions (formally termed hosepipe bans) If there is no improvement in the situation, in order to save water, we may wish to temporarily restrict certain types of customer water use, such as the use of a hosepipe for watering the garden. These restrictions are likely to be triggered by reservoir storage entering Zone C. This type of restriction is authorised under Section 36 of the Flood and Water Management Act 21, which also specifies that the following uses of water may be prohibited: southwestwater.co.uk Page 23

25 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) watering a garden using a hosepipe; cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe; watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe; cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe; filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool; drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use; filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe; filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain; cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe; cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe; cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe. We are unlikely to seek to implement demand-side management actions which would only have minimal anticipated savings, such as restricting the use of a hosepipe in winter. Demand restrictions are likely to be implemented over a whole resource zone. However, depending on the type of drought being experienced across the area, there may be an occasion when it is appropriate to consider a more local area. Any such restrictions will be advertised in the area affected as well as on our website ( along with details as to how to make representations about the proposed restriction. The time allowed for representations will be proportionate to the scale of the proposed implementation and the customer base likely to be affected by the restrictions, but will be a minimum of a week. The period of representation will also balance the urgency of demand reductions required with the anticipated public interest of the restriction. We will implement any such restrictions using a transparent approach and will aim to be proportionate to the nature of the water supply situation and the water savings that could result in the prevailing circumstances. We will liaise with our neighbouring company to establish links between any planned temporary restrictions as appropriate. southwestwater.co.uk Page 24

26 In order to prioritise the phasing of any restrictions, apart from the above information, we will take into consideration the report produced by UKWIR (UK Water Industry Research, 211) which provide a code of practice and guidance on the implementation of such restrictions. The code follows principles that restrictions are implemented in a consistent, proportionate and clearly communicated manner. We will also take account of the latest information available under the UKWIR Project WR33B: Revising the Code of Practice on Water Use Restrictions due March 213. It is generally more difficult to assess the effectiveness of demand-side drought management actions compared to the potential increase of supplies provided by supply-side drought management actions and this is recognised in the Environment Agency guidelines (Environment Agency, 211). However, for the purposes of drought planning we estimate that restrictions of this nature will give an estimated saving of potential demand of 5%; this figure is consistent with that assumed in the Company s WRMP (South West Water, 29a). This figure is also in line with the findings from other parts of the country where hosepipe bans have been more recently introduced. (iii) Demand-side Drought Orders (formally termed bans on non-essential use) Continuing deterioration of the situation may lead us to consider applying for a Drought Order to restrict the non-essential use of water. This type of restriction is authorised by the Secretary of State under Section 74 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Drought Direction 211. The purposes that water companies can prohibit or limit the use of water are: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) watering outdoor plants on commercial premises; filling or maintaining a non-domestic swimming or paddling pool; filling or maintaining a pond; operating a mechanical vehicle-washer; cleaning any vehicle, boat aircraft or railway rolling stock; cleaning non-domestic premises; cleaning a window of a non-domestic building; cleaning industrial plant; suppressing dust; operating cisterns. southwestwater.co.uk Page 25

27 It has been assumed by the Company that a ban on the non-essential use of water will result in a reduction in demand of 5% over and above the reduction produced by the temporary water use restrictions (formally termed hosepipe bans); this figure is consistent with that assumed in the Company s WRMP (South West Water, 29a). It should be noted that companies are not required to include details of arrangements for providing water supplies to cope with situations when there is a civil emergency as a result of water shortage. We follow guidance from OFWAT regarding compensation available to customers if there are demand restrictions. Their guidance states: You cannot claim compensation if your water company imposes a hosepipe ban or restrictions on non-essential use, such as washing your car. This is because your water company has to plan on the basis that it may have to impose restrictions during long periods of very dry weather or drought. This means that the bills you pay already reflect the potential for restrictions (OFWAT, 211). 3.3 Supply-side drought management actions If a dry spell develops and reservoir storage starts to fall from Zone A to Zone B, we will change our operational practice from cost minimisation to yield maximisation. If reservoir storage is projected to continue to fall towards Zone C, we may need to implement further supply-side actions. The majority of them fall into the following categories, none of which require authorisation through a Drought Permit or Drought Order: distribution zone management Distribution zone management is a key aspect of drought planning and one which has been used extensively by South West Water in the past. Distribution zone management is used to reduce the demand on sources under stress and transfer the demand to sources with relative abundance. Saltash is an example of an area which can be supplied by either the sources of the Roadford resource zone or those of the Colliford Resource Zone. However, changes of this sort have to be managed carefully in order to minimise adverse effects on customers eg different taste complaints. emergency capital works (eg emergency pumps and pipelines) Few capital works are shown in Appendix G as the necessity for particular works usually only becomes apparent during the drought (eg the installation of temporary boosters). Such works are frequently relatively minor and require only planning permission rather than drought authorisation. southwestwater.co.uk Page 26

28 It is possible that some of the sites where this would be required may be designated (such as Listed Buildings). We will therefore follow standard procedures for obtaining any necessary permissions and consents to ensure potential impacts on historic environment assets are taken into consideration. existing licensed sources usually not in supply Abstractions may occur from sites with existing authorised licences that are not usually used when other sources are in surplus. Our supply-side drought management actions are given in Appendix G, on the standard pro forma provided by the Environment Agency. Choosing which supply-side drought management actions should be implemented will be made according to the circumstances prevailing in the resource zone at that time. For this reason actions have been grouped into resource zones rather than being allocated to specific zones for individual reservoirs. As described in Section 1, discussions with Wessex Water (our only neighbouring water company) have confirmed that we would not expect small transfers to be either increased or decreased during a drought. southwestwater.co.uk Page 27

29 4 Environmental impacts 4.1 General This Drought Plan takes into account any potential environmental impacts of our proposed supply-side drought management actions. It is not intended to address environmental effects of the natural aquatic drought itself. Significant ecological sites are shown in Appendix H for information. 4.2 Environmental assessment As shown in Appendix G there are no supply-side drought management actions that are outside the existing abstraction licence system. There is therefore no further environmental assessment work required within our Drought Plan 4.3 Environmental data provision and Monitoring Plan As shown in Appendix G there are no supply-side drought management actions that are outside the existing abstraction licence system. There is therefore no further environmental data provision or monitoring plan work required within our Drought Plan. 4.4 Mitigation measures As shown in Appendix G there are no supply-side drought management actions that are outside the existing abstraction licence system. There is therefore no further work required on environmental mitigation measures within our Drought Plan. 4.5 Habitats Regulation Directive and Strategic Environmental Assessment Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 21 water companies must determine and be satisfied that as a result of the Drought Plan: there is no likely significant effect on a SAC, SPA or Ramsar site (known as Habitats Directive sites); it can be concluded that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the Habitats Directive sites from the supply-side drought management actions in the Drought Plan (Environment Agency, 211). southwestwater.co.uk Page 28

30 As shown in Appendix G there are no supply-side drought management actions that are outside the existing abstraction licence system and therefore no further work is required in this area as a result of our Plan. southwestwater.co.uk Page 29

31 5 Management and communications strategy 5.1 Management structure Our managerial responsibility for drought actions rests within two groups: the Water Supply Command Group (WSCG) and the Water Supply Review Group (WSRG). The key functions of these groups and their current membership are set out below. Co-ordination between the two groups is managed through the Head of Drinking Water Services and the Head of Supply Demand Strategy who are members of both groups. The minutes of the meetings of each group are circulated to the members of both groups. The frequency of the groups meeting will depend on the prevailing circumstances and the severity of the drought. 5.2 Roles and responsibilities Water Supply Command Group (WSCG) The key functions of the WSCG are to: provide strategic guidance on drought related issues take an overview of our response to the drought make decisions on drought related policy issues ensure that drought schemes can be fast-tracked where appropriate oversee communications with key external interests. Membership of the WSCG is as follows: Name C Loughlin S Bird M Read G Murphy S Davey A Willicott J King N Whiter J Jelly Job title Chief Executive South West Water (Chairman) Operations Director Customer Relations & Business Development Director Director of Engineering Finance and Regulatory Director Customer Support Director Head of Drinking Water Services Head of Supply Demand Strategy Legal Manager (Utility) southwestwater.co.uk Page 3

32 Water Supply Review Group (WSRG) The key functions of the WSRG are to: review strategy options recommend actions to the WSCG oversee the implementation of the drought strategy co-ordinate operational and engineering activities liaise with the Environment Agency and other interested parties. Membership of the WSRG is as follows: Name J King N Whiter M Hilson M Baker B Trivett J Jelley S Mills L Devenish B Brown G Pewsey Job title Head of Drinking Water Services Head of Supply Demand Strategy Operations Manager (West) Operations Manager (East) Head of Operational Support Legal Manager (Utility) Customer Policy & Relations Communications Officer Security & Emergency Planning Manager Resources Strategist 5.3 Communications plan Introduction Our communications plan is based on a phased approach appropriate to the prevailing circumstances. Initially there is an early water supply campaign as reservoir storages start to drop significantly, which is followed up later in the year if a drought develops. Our communications plan remains flexible and will be reviewed and revised as a drought develops, given that droughts can vary enormously in nature. South West Water is unusual in that it borders just one other water company, Wessex Water. We have excellent joint working relationships and we share a major water resource on Exmoor, Wimbleball Reservoir. We will work with Wessex Water on any communications it is deemed appropriate to do jointly. southwestwater.co.uk Page 31

33 This section sets out how we will: Increase customer awareness of the limited availability of water resources. Regularly inform customers, relevant organisations and regulators about the development of the drought and the implementation of drought management actions. Communicate and work with wider interest groups and partners to help reduce demand in a drought. Promote and enhance water efficiency advice and information, including initiatives already in operation under normal circumstances and those used during a drought. Encourage household customers to use water wisely in the home and garden and explain what they can do to help in a drought. Encourage non-household customers to become more water efficient and explain what they can do to help in a drought. Announce and reinforce any water restrictions that may be introduced. Promote the positive work we are undertaking, individually and in combination with others, to manage the drought Link to Drought Triggers The table below details the phased approach and shows the link between communication actions and drought triggers as a drought develops. Communication Action Early water supply campaign (spring or early summer) Follow-up communications plan Consider temporary restrictions Possible Drought Triggers A prolonged period of dry weather; reservoir storage(s) approaching Zone B Continuation of dry weather; Reservoir storage(s) approaching Zone C Continuation of dry weather; Concerns over projected reservoir storage (Zone C) southwestwater.co.uk Page 32

34 Period for representations about temporary water restrictions to be made Consider supply-side Drought Orders The time allowed for representations will be proportionate to the scale of the proposed implementation and the customer base likely to be affected by the restrictions, but will be a minimum of one week. It will balance the urgency of demand reductions required with the anticipated public interest of the restriction. Reservoir storage continues dropping (Zone C) Advertise demand-side Drought Order (formally termed ban on non essential use) Emergency water supply and emergency Drought Orders Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of drought communication activities Reservoir storage continues dropping (Zone D) We have indicated that emergency Drought Orders are unacceptable. Includes consideration of feedback from representatives of customer groups and other institutional organisations, website hits, requests from customers for information on water efficiency or water saving devices and the change in demand for water Early water supply campaign Our early water supply campaign will usually take place in spring or early summer. Our campaign will include messages concerning water conservation and water efficiency. These might include: Individual briefings with key editors, press conference, press release or media briefing note depending on the state of supplies. Water conservation messages in prominent position on website home page with links to other pages on the website which give water conservation advice and help. Regular updates to Water UK and as required to provide information on the national picture. southwestwater.co.uk Page 33

35 Letters to MPs, MEPs, local authorities and other key organisations explaining our position and forecast. Distribute the booklet Conserving water in the home and in the garden: Top Tips plus supporting poster and wider advertising campaign if appropriate. Distribute the booklet Water efficiency for business customers plus supporting poster and wider advertising campaign if appropriate. Advertising campaign to promote water wise messages, if appropriate. Review of schools information. Inform employees through verbal briefing system ( News and Views ), and notice boards and individual briefings for key personnel Follow-up communications campaign If the dry weather continues, our follow-up communications campaign will build on messages from our earlier water supply campaign and will continue to promote water conservation and water efficiency. The follow-up communications campaign might include: Regular press releases or media briefing notes to keep journalists informed of the current water supply position and resource progress. High profile website advertising and signposting to online water conservation material, help and advice. Production of monthly progress bulletins for local authorities. Newspaper, radio and television advertising campaigns to publicise conservation messages. Update information to local MPs and key organisations eg the Consumer Council for Water and the Environment Agency. Mail-drops to customers in areas with special difficulties, which could include water conservation top tips, how to get our free water-saving kit and promotion of discounted water butts. Use our customer caravan to distribute information at locations selected for their high customer footfall. southwestwater.co.uk Page 34

36 Advice to our own staff on water conservation, messages to customers and preparation for actions to be taken during a drought, if appropriate. Provide staff with fliers and message cards to carry on vans and distribute to customers Promotion of customer awareness of the limited availability of water resources We always ask our customers to use water wisely, and messages promoting customer awareness of limited availability of water resources are also part of our early water supply campaign. An example of this is given in Appendix I. We will build on these messages should a more serious drought develop Promotion and enhancement of water efficiency advice and information We encourage customers to implement water efficiency measures as part of our normal practice. During a drought, water efficiency messages are part of both our early water supply campaign and subsequent communications as a drought develops. Our communications to our customers will explain what they can do to help in a drought Encouragement of non-household customers to become more water efficient We have developed extensive and award-winning systems to help businesses be more water-efficient, including enabling them to better monitor usage through online accounts, a free water audit scheme and a certification process for water-wise businesses. We have a dedicated service for businesses with account managers who can provide advice on water conservation. In a drought we would encourage more businesses to take up these services and increase our advice on how businesses can save water Communication and work with wider interest groups and partners to help reduce demand in a drought In addition to the processes outlined above for press conferences, media briefs, updating MPs and other authorities and key organisations, the following measures will ensure effective communication with customers, relevant organisations and regulators: We have relationships in place with key customer stakeholders which would be used to discuss and agree the best communications route for each customer group. southwestwater.co.uk Page 35

37 We will visit individuals and local organisations to brief and assist as necessary. Individuals within our Company have responsibility for managing relationships with the different organisations such as the Consumer Council for Water and the Environment Agency. These contact points would be used for ongoing briefing and communication. The Customer Caravan, which can be based anywhere in the region, would be moved around the most severely affected areas to promote drought awareness. We now have capacity to deliver tailored messages directly to customers on their bill and via our online accounts facilities. Further updates and reminders can be given via leaflets with bills during the rest of the year or by a further direct mail-out as we did for private sewers transfer. In a longer term sustained drought, if appropriate, we can use Waterlevel, our annual customer newspaper, which is delivered directly to customers homes, to give advice on conserving water and explain why this is so important Informing special needs and vulnerable customers The following measures would be used to support special needs and vulnerable customers: We have a register of Priority Services customers in our region which would be the first point of reference. Staff from the Customer Support Team would then be used to visit these customers and manage their concerns on an ongoing basis. Customers with medical conditions requiring a constant supply of water would be prioritised. We are able to contact all the hospitals, nursing and care homes and special schools in the region to offer support for our most vulnerable customers Information available for press and media Activities to assist communications with our customers through the press and media include: Controlled access to reservoirs etc to obtain up-to-date film footage and photographs of the latest water supply situation; we would set clear parameters to promote balanced reporting and challenge any use of old images or footage. southwestwater.co.uk Page 36

38 Information on our website about reservoir levels and access to upto-date library film footage. Access to works being undertaken by us to improve the situation. Clear, simple graphs and charts showing reservoir level trends. Availability of key personnel for interviews to fit in with tight news timescales. At appropriate times, very frequent, even daily, interviews and discussions. Regular briefings for environmental correspondents, news editors and journalists. An example of a press release issued is attached in Appendix I Water situation monitoring - regular information to customers, relevant organisations and regulators We have in place a respected and well-received mechanism for informing wider stakeholder groups about water resources. The Water Situation Report is produced weekly using both our own data and some provided by the Environment Agency. An example of the report is shown in Appendix L. The purpose of the report is to give a comprehensive overview of the current state of the factors affecting the availability of public water supplies in our area. The Water Situation Report includes information on: demands rainfall river flows reservoir storage groundwater levels. The Water Situation Report is currently sent on a weekly basis to key stakeholders including: Environment Agency OFWAT Consumer Council For Water southwestwater.co.uk Page 37

39 Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Emergency planners Health protection agencies The Met Office. The Water Situation Report is also sent on a monthly basis to all local authorities and health authorities across the region who have requested it. It should be noted that at times of drought the circulation list is further increased to include other interested organisations and individuals. We believe that the widespread circulation of the Water Situation Report provides an appropriate vehicle through which local interests can obtain a comprehensive picture of a developing drought situation. We provide on our website ( weekly updates of storage in the five largest reservoirs (Roadford, Colliford, Wimbleball, Stithians and Burrator) in both tabular and graphical form. Information is also provided on the equivalent storage recorded during the previous year and in a drought year for comparison Announcement and reinforcement of any water restrictions that may be introduced Should a temporary water restriction be required, we would announce this through the media, on our website and in adverts in appropriate local newspapers in our region. We would also consider advertising in any other media deemed appropriate depending on the nature of the drought and any specific geographic issues. We would anticipate intense media interest and scrutiny if any temporary restrictions on water use were to be announced. We would prepare for this with thorough questions and answers about the nature of the restriction on our website and make these available to reporters. To encourage accurate reporting of the restrictions, we might have individual briefings with editors, hold a press conference, publish a videocast or podcast on our website, and make available media-trained staff for interviews and indepth reporting. We would also make available the frequently asked questions (FAQs) to our call centre and front-line staff to ensure customers receive consistent responses. southwestwater.co.uk Page 38

40 Increased customer contacts in a drought As a drought develops, this invariably leads to increased communication with our customers. The following measures demonstrate our capacity for dealing with the additional customer contacts: Our Customer Contact Centre is required to be able to respond to increases in contacts due to issues such as operational emergencies. There is capacity within the Exeter site to handle increases in calls from customers. Any further demand can be managed through the Water Force industry arrangement which provides offsite overflow call handling capability. Within South West Water there is capacity to support an increase in written contacts as a result of any restrictions Promotion of the positive work we are undertaking, individually and in combination with others, to manage the drought We have considered the UKWIR report Drought and demand: potential for improving the management of future drought (UK Water Industry Research, 27b) and would aim to emphasise the positive messages for customers outlined in it eg stressing what customers CAN do, such as use a watering can and a bucket for washing cars and windows. We would anticipate ongoing intense media interest in the progress of a drought, and we will take steps to promote the positive work we are doing and positive relationships we have with partner organisations including the Environment Agency, health authorities, local authorities, South West Lakes Trust and other interest groups Audiences and key messages A summary table listing our key messages to different audiences is given in Appendix I. The table sets out: The different audiences that specific actions apply to. The key messages for these audiences. When the communication actions will be taken in response to crossing drought triggers. southwestwater.co.uk Page 39

41 Any subsequent actions a company will take. How the communication actions will be tailored and delivered to each group Data and information sharing with the Environment Agency South West Water has a good working relationship with relevant sections of the Environment Agency, as exemplified through the early part of 211. We regularly share data on reservoir levels, reservoir releases, etc with the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency provides us with hydrological data. South West Water has a flexible approach to sharing data and information. We will work with the Environment Agency to ensure that the relevant data and information is passed between the organisations as appropriate to the prevailing circumstances during a drought. 5.4 Lessons learned from previous droughts Historical droughts have occurred in our area in 1975/6, 1984, 1989 and Prolonged dry periods were also experienced during the autumns of 1978 and more recently 23. River flows were also exceptionally low in parts of our region during spring and early summer 211. We have been successful in not implementing demand restrictions or applying for Drought Permits or Drought Orders since the mid 199s. Hydrological experience of our region enables us to have confidence in the control curves and drought triggers within this Plan. We will also take into account information available in the UKWIR report entitled Drought and demand: potential for improving the management of future drought (UK Water Industry Research, 27b) that is relevant and applicable to any future drought scenarios. southwestwater.co.uk Page 4

42 6 The end of a drought and post-drought actions 6.1 Identifying the end of a drought The end of a drought can be defined as when the risk of impacts from drought is no greater than during a normal year, and where normal conditions have continued for a period of time (Environment Agency, 211: 35). We will make this decision taking into account the data and information prevailing at that time including: rainfall and river flow data, reservoir storage data and the drought management triggers and curves. We will confirm with the Environment Agency that the water resource situation has returned to normal before declaring the end of a drought. We will describe the timings for the removal of any drought management actions and share how we will communicate this to our customers. We will also review the need for any continued environmental monitoring and mitigation. 6.2 The post-drought review As soon as is practical after the end of a drought, the Company will appoint a senior manager to supervise the compilation of a post-drought review in a timely manner. Our review will cover many aspects of the drought, including legal, communication and customer issues. We will invite relevant groups to contribute to this review where appropriate. It will have clear timescales for the implementation of any actions identified within the review. Our review will also include: an assessment of the hydrological and water resources background to the drought. a strategic overview of our water supply strategy. If any strategic investments have been made as a result of the drought event, we will reconcile these with our WRMP or associated updates. any significant outcomes of the re-assessments of Deployable Output as a result of the drought. These will subsequently be reflected in our WRMP or associated updates. any significant outcomes of the re-assessment of our demand patterns and demand forecasts as a result of the drought. These will also subsequently be reflected in our WRMP or associated updates. southwestwater.co.uk Page 41

43 a review of the success, effectiveness and costs of all drought management actions. This will include: - an assessment of the estimated reduction in demand that resulted from any demand-side drought management actions implemented - an assessment of the extra water delivered from any supply-side drought management actions implemented a review of the effectiveness of any environmental mitigation measures implemented. southwestwater.co.uk Page 42

44 References 1. Defra, Welsh Government and Environment Agency (211), Drought orders and permits. 2. Environment Agency (1997), Reassessment of water company yields. 3. Environment Agency (1998), Drought Orders/Permits, Best Practice Guidelines for Environmental Monitoring. R&D Technical Report W149 (Sir William Halcrow & Partners Ltd). 4. Environment Agency (South West Region) (27), Extension of Naturalised Flow Sequences Methodology Review and Recommendations. 5. Environment Agency (211), Water company drought plan guideline; Update June 211, available from 6. Environment Agency (212), South West drought plan. 7. National Rivers Authority (South West Region) (199), Study of the 1989 Drought in SW England, Volume 1: Main Report and Volume 2: Annexes (Halcrow). 8. ODPM (25), A practical guide to the strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, available from a.pdf 9. OFWAT(211), Restrictions, available from 1. Rodda, J.C. and Marsh, T.J. (211), The Drought - a contemporary and retrospective review. Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. 11. South West Water (27), South West Water Drought Plan. 12. South West Water (29a), Water Resources Plan , available from South West Water (29b), Final Business Plan 29, available from South West Water (212a), Draft Drought Plan, available from South West Water (212b), Statement of Response southwestwater.co.uk Page 43

45 16. Tabony, R. C. (1977), The variability of long-duration Rainfall over Great Britain. Meteorological Office Scientific Paper No 37, HMSO. 17. UK Water Industry Research (27a), Strategic environmental assessment guidance for water resources management plans and drought plans. Ref. 7/WR/2/ UK Water Industry Research (27b), Drought and demand: potential for improving the management of future drought. Ref. 7/WR/2/ UK Water Industry Research (211), Code of Practice and Guidance on Water Use Restriction. Ref. 11/WR/33/3. southwestwater.co.uk Page 44

46 Appendix A Resource zone schematics Figure A.1: Colliford resource zone schematic Lowermoor WTW Stannon Lake Crowdy Reservoir R Fowey N R Camel De Lank Intake & WTW COLLIFORD RESERVOIR Park Lake Bastreet Intake & WTW Withey Brook R Lynher Siblyback Reservoir BODMIN Pumped Storage St Neot River Trekeivesteps Intake & Pumping Station St Cleer WTW Restormel Intake, WTW & Pumping Station R Fowey Cornwall spine main ST AUSTELL southwestwater.co.uk Page A.1

47 Figure A.2: Roadford resource zone schematic BIDEFORD BARNSTAPLE N R Torridge R Taw Transfer from Allers WTW R Tamar ROADFORD RESERVOIR R Wolf Northcombe WTW Meldon Reservoir Transfer from Pynes WTW R Tavy Gunnislake Intake Lopwell Intake Transfer to Colliford SSA PLYMOUTH Burrator Reservoir Crownhill WTW R Dart TOTNES TORBAY Littlehempston WTW southwestwater.co.uk Page A.2

48 Figure A.3: Wimbleball resource zone schematic R Exe R Quarme R Barle Transfers to Wessex Water WIMBLEBALL RESERVOIR N Pumped Storage Scheme To Roadford SSA R Exe Allers WTW R Culm TIVERTON R Otter CREDITON Pynes WTW R Axe R Yeo To Roadford SSA EXETER Otter Valley Groundwater Sources southwestwater.co.uk Page A.3

49 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Appendix B Example drought management curves Figure B.1: Example strategic reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D 2 1 Date Figure B.2: Example local reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.4

50 Table B.1: Actions taken when storage enters zones Storage Zone A B C D Demand-side actions Supply-side actions Operational and planning actions None None Abstract as required: Within licence Within quality constraints Within operational rules Major publicity campaign requesting voluntary savings of water this should not happen more than once in every 1 years on average Temporary water use restrictions (formerly termed hosepipe bans) not more than once in every 2 years on average, six month maximum duration of ban Drought Order to restrict the nonessential use of water not more than once in every 4 years on average Four month maximum duration of ban on nonessential use of water Change operational practice from cost minimisation to yield maximisation Use of Drought Orders or Drought Permits reducing compensation or prescribed flows not more than once every 2 years on average* Use of Drought Orders or Drought Permits authorising use of emergency sources* Support local reservoirs where necessary Increased operational monitoring Supplementary leakage checks Additional water conservation measures Regular contacts with Environment Agency Regular storage projections Increased drought monitoring Reservoir water quality review Consider further distribution zone management Consider installation of temporary boosters * The use of Drought Orders or permits of this nature is not currently envisaged to be required within the lifetime of this Plan southwestwater.co.uk Page A.5

51 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Appendix C Drought management curves C.1 Colliford resource zone reservoir drought management curves Figure C.1.1: Argal and College Reservoirs drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date Figure C.1.2: Colliford Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.6

52 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure C.1.3: Crowdy Reservoir drought management curves 11 Zone A Zone B Zone C Date Figure C.1.4: Drift Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.7

53 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure C.1.5: Park Lake drought management curves 24 Zone A Zone B Zone C Date Figure C.1.6: Siblyback Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.8

54 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure C.1.7: Stannon Lake drought management curves 9 Zone A Zone B Zone C Date Figure C.1.8: Stithians Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.9

55 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 C.2 Roadford resource zone reservoir drought management curves Figure C.2.1: Avon Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date Figure C.2.2: Burrator Reservoir drought management curves 45 Zone A Zone B Zone C Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.1

56 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure C.2.3: Fernworthy Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date Figure C.2.4: KTT Reservoirs drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.11

57 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure C.2.5: Meldon Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date Figure C.2.6: Roadford Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.12

58 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure C.2.7: Upper Tamar Lake drought management curves 16 Zone A Zone B Zone C Date Figure C.2.8: Venford Reservoir drought management curves 8 Zone A Zone B Zone C Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.13

59 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure C.2.9: Wistlandpound Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.14

60 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 C.3 Wimbleball resource zone reservoir drought management curves Figure C.3.1: Wimbleball Reservoir drought management curves Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.15

61 Cumulative Rainfall (mm) Cumulative Rainfall (mm) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Appendix D Forecasting tools D.1 Example assessment of rainfall return period Figure D.1.1: Example assessment of rainfall return period Bastreet 3 25 LTA - 1 yrs 1-2 yrs 2-5 yrs 5-1 yrs 1-2 yrs 2-5 yrs 5-1 yrs 1 + yrs Cumulative rainfall ( LTA) Cumulative rainfall (21-211) Rainfall Station RF Return Period Bands calculated using Met. Office Tabony Tables Provisional Figures from 22 April Note: Colliford Reservoir last spilled in Week 15, 21. Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.16

62 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec River Flow (m 3 /s) River Flow (m 3 /s) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 D.2 Example assessment of river flow Figure D.2.1: Example assessment of river flow River East Dart at Bellever Data from Environment Agency.1.1 Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.17

63 1/1/11 1/2/11 1/3/11 1/4/11 1/5/11 1/6/11 1/7/11 1/8/11 1/9/11 1/1/11 1/11/11 1/12/11 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1/1/11 1/2/11 1/3/11 1/4/11 1/5/11 1/6/11 1/7/11 1/8/11 1/9/11 1/1/11 1/11/11 1/12/11 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 D.3 Example strategic reservoir projections Figure D.3.1: Example Colliford Reservoir projection Actual Storage 3 25 Net capacity 2854 Ml Abstract as Initiate contacts with the EA Consider implementation of hosepipe Consider implementation of bans on required and increase publicity bans and drought orders non-essential use of water 1 Date Figure D.3.2: Example Roadford Reservoir projection Actual Storage 35 Net capacity 345 Ml Abstract as Initiate contacts with the EA Consider implementation of hosepipe Consider implementation of bans on required and increase publicity bans and drought orders non-essential use of water 2 1 Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.18

64 1/1/11 1/2/11 1/3/11 1/4/11 1/5/11 1/6/11 1/7/11 1/8/11 1/9/11 1/1/11 1/11/11 1/12/11 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure D.3.3: Example Wimbleball Reservoir projection actual storage 2 Net capacity 2132 Ml Abstract as Initiate contacts with the EA Consider implementation of hosepipe Consider implementation ofbans on required and increase publicity bans and drought orders non-essential use of water 1 Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.19

65 1/1/75 1/4/75 1/7/75 1/1/75 1/1/76 1/4/76 1/7/76 1/1/76 1/1/77 1/4/77 1/7/77 1/1/77 1/1/78 1/4/78 1/7/78 1/1/78 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1/1/62 1/1/63 1/1/64 1/1/65 1/1/66 1/1/67 1/1/68 1/1/69 1/1/7 1/1/71 1/1/72 1/1/73 1/1/74 1/1/75 1/1/76 1/1/77 1/1/78 1/1/79 1/1/8 1/1/81 1/1/82 1/1/83 1/1/84 1/1/85 1/1/86 1/1/87 1/1/88 1/1/89 1/1/9 1/1/91 1/1/92 1/1/93 1/1/94 1/1/95 1/1/96 1/1/97 1/1/98 1/1/99 1/1/ 1/1/1 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Appendix E1 Examples of strategic reservoir drought drawdowns Figure E.1.1: Example Colliford Reservoir multi-season drought drawdown COLLIFORD RESERVOIR simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Colliford Simulated Net Storage 3 25 Net capacity 2854 Ml Date Figure E.1.2: Example Colliford Reservoir multi-season drought drawdown, showing inclusive COLLIFORD RESERVOIR simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Simulated Net Storage 3 25 Net capacity 2854 Ml The reservoir refills before the start of the 1979 drawdown period Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.2

66 1/1/76 1/2/76 1/3/76 1/4/76 1/5/76 1/6/76 1/7/76 1/8/76 1/9/76 1/1/76 1/11/76 1/12/76 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure E.1.3 Example Colliford Reservoir single-season drought drawdown, with and without drought management actions COLLIFORD RESERVOIR 1976 simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Remaining Net Storage With Drought Actions Simulated Net Storage Without Drought Actions 3 Net capacity 2854 Ml 1 25 Implement demand side and supply side actions as identified in the report Date NB The use of Drought Orders or Drought Permits is not currently envisaged to be required within the lifetime of this Plan southwestwater.co.uk Page A.21

67 1/1/75 1/4/75 1/7/75 1/1/75 1/1/76 1/4/76 1/7/76 1/1/76 1/1/77 1/4/77 1/7/77 1/1/77 1/1/78 1/4/78 1/7/78 1/1/78 1/1/79 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1/1/62 1/1/63 1/1/64 1/1/65 1/1/66 1/1/67 1/1/68 1/1/69 1/1/7 1/1/71 1/1/72 1/1/73 1/1/74 1/1/75 1/1/76 1/1/77 1/1/78 1/1/79 1/1/8 1/1/81 1/1/82 1/1/83 1/1/84 1/1/85 1/1/86 1/1/87 1/1/88 1/1/89 1/1/9 1/1/91 1/1/92 1/1/93 1/1/94 1/1/95 1/1/96 1/1/97 1/1/98 1/1/99 1/1/ 1/1/1 1/1/2 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure E.1.4: Example Roadford Reservoir multi-season drought drawdown simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Simulated Net Storage 35 Net capacity 345 Ml Date Figure E.1.5: Example Roadford Reservoir multi-season drought drawdown, showing inclusive ROADFORD RESERVOIR simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Simulated Net Storage Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.22

68 1/1/76 1/2/76 1/3/76 1/4/76 1/5/76 1/6/76 1/7/76 1/8/76 1/9/76 1/1/76 1/11/76 1/12/76 1/1/77 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure E.1.6: Example Roadford Reservoir single-season drought drawdown, with and without drought management actions ROADFORD RESERVOIR 1976 simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Simulated Net Storage Without Drought Actions Simulated Net Storage With Drought Actions 35 Net capacity 345 Ml Implement demand side and supply side actions as identified in the report Date NB The use of Drought Orders or Drought Permits is not currently envisaged to be required within the lifetime of this Plan southwestwater.co.uk Page A.23

69 1/1/75 1/4/75 1/7/75 1/1/75 1/1/76 1/4/76 1/7/76 1/1/76 1/1/77 1/4/77 1/7/77 1/1/77 1/1/78 1/4/78 1/7/78 1/1/78 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1/1/62 1/1/64 1/1/66 1/1/68 1/1/7 1/1/72 1/1/74 1/1/76 1/1/78 1/1/8 1/1/82 1/1/84 1/1/86 1/1/88 1/1/9 1/1/92 1/1/94 1/1/96 1/1/98 1/1/ 1/1/2 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure E.1.7: Example Wimbleball Reservoir multi-season drought drawdown WIMBLEBALL RESERVOIR simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Simulated Net Storage 2 Net capacity 2132 Ml Date Figure E.1.8: Example Wimbleball Reservoir multi-season drought drawdown, showing inclusive WIMBLEBALL RESERVOIR simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Simulated Net Storage 2 Net capacity 2132 Ml The reservoir refills before the start of the 1979 drawdown period Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.24

70 1/1/76 1/2/76 1/3/76 1/4/76 1/5/76 1/6/76 1/7/76 1/8/76 1/9/76 1/1/76 1/11/76 1/12/76 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Figure E.1.9: Example Wimbleball Reservoir single-season drought drawdown, with and without drought management actions simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone C Simulated Net Storage With Drought Actions Net capacity 2132 Ml Zone B Zone D Simulated Net Storage Without Drought Actions Implement demand side and supply side actions as identified in the report Date NB The use of Drought Orders or Drought Permits is not currently envisaged to be required within the lifetime of this Plan southwestwater.co.uk Page A.25

71 1/1/76 1/2/76 1/3/76 1/4/76 1/5/76 1/6/76 1/7/76 1/8/76 1/9/76 1/1/76 1/11/76 1/12/76 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) 1/1/75 1/4/75 1/7/75 1/1/75 1/1/76 1/4/76 1/7/76 1/1/76 1/1/77 1/4/77 1/7/77 1/1/77 1/1/78 1/4/78 1/7/78 1/1/78 Remaining Net Storage (Ml) Remaining Net Storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Appendix E2 Examples of local reservoir drought drawdowns Figure E.2.1: Example Wistlandpound Reservoir multi-season drought drawdown WISTLANDPOUND RESERVOIR simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C Simulated Net Storage 15 Net capacity 155 Ml The reservoir refills before the start of the 1979 drawdown period Date Figure E.2.2: Example Wistlandpound Reservoir single-season drought drawdown WISTLANDPOUND RESERVOIR 1976 simulated remaining net storage Zone A Zone B Zone C 1976 Simulated Net Storage Net capacity 155 Ml Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.26

72 Appendix E3 Historical flow sequences Wimbleball Resource Zone E.3.1 Introduction As described in our main report, the derivation of the triggers and curves along with the scenario testing is based on approximately 5 years of data and incorporates a variety of serious droughts. Nevertheless, in some areas of the country longer records are available which has enabled the study of historical droughts. The Environment Agency provided us with a theoretically derived extended flow sequence for the River Exe. This synthetic data extends back to 1883 and hence includes the droughts of 1896, 1921 and 1933/34. We have used this data to understand the possible drawdown in Wimbleball Reservoir should similar droughts re-occur. E.3.2 Potential Impact Of Including The Historic 188 Agency Data On The Summer Drawdown A critical influence on the drawdown in Wimbleball Reservoir is the level of flow in the River Exe at Thorverton, which triggers water supply releases. We have combined the synthetic data ( ) with the historic data ( ) to estimate the number of days the River Exe at Thorverton would have been beneath the prescribed flow in each year. The results are presented in Figure E.2.1. southwestwater.co.uk Page A.27

73 Figure E.3.1: Number of days each year for which the River Exe at Thorverton was below the prescribed flow As can be seen in Figure E.3.1, with the exception of 1921, in the period 1883 to 1956 the river is beneath the prescribed flow each year for a similar or fewer number of days than post We therefore carried out further analysis on the data available for Our analysis showed that although extra releases would be required from Wimbleball Reservoir in a drought like that of the 1921 sequence compared to our design drought of 1976, the extra releases represent approximately only an extra 2% of Wimbleball Reservoir s total net storage. We do not consider this percentage difference to be of significance for drought planning purposes. E.3.3 Potential Impact Of Including The Historic 188 Agency Data On The Winter Refill During discussions with the Environment Agency, the possibility of extreme dry winters was raised and whether this could have an impact on the water resource performance of the Wimbleball Resources Zone. We subsequently carried out some further work in this area and have shared it with the Agency. (i) Water available for Wimbleball Refill Wimbleball refill depends on the:- southwestwater.co.uk Page A.28

74 natural inflow into the reservoir flow available to be pumped into the reservoir from the River Exe at Exebridge Our Exebridge abstraction licence permits pumping during November to March inclusive and therefore we have considered the refill over this period. Table E.3.1 below shows key flow totals for November to March, for the three driest November to March periods. Table E.3.1 Key flow totals for November to March, for the three driest November to March periods Winter Total potential pump storage (PS) volume at Exebridge (Ml) Total natural inflow into Wimbleball Reservoir (Ml) Total potential PS + total natural inflow into Wimbleball (Ml) ,295 5,81 22, ,58 8,23 26, ,55 8,445 26,95 As can be seen in the table above, the potential winter refill is very similar to that experienced in the winter of (ie included in the period of record of our historical flow sequences). The least total potential winter refill is in the winter. (ii) Impact on Wimbleball storage The impact on water resources and drought planning of the difference in the potential winter refill compared to that of can only be assessed by also considering Wimbleball storage. Table E.3.2 below shows total potential inflow available from Table 1 above along with the licensed total outflow to give the potential gain in storage over the winter period. southwestwater.co.uk Page A.29

75 Table E.3.2 Estimated net possible gain in storage (November to March) Winter Total inflow into Wimbleball (Ml) Total Wessex abstraction + compensation release (Ml)* Net gain in Wimbleball storage (Ml) Net gain in Wimbleball storage (%) ,15 8,238 13, ,532 8,238 18, ,95 8,238 18, *Maximum Wessex daily licensed take of Ml/d. No releases are assumed to be required to support our Allers and Pynes abstraction licences as flows at Thorverton are likely to be generally above the prescribed flow) As can be seen in the table above, in the series, the potential winter gain in storage is very similar to that experienced in the winter of ie greater than 85%. Given this value, it is a reasonable assumption that for the current purposes, Wimbleball would still refill in a simulated sequence similar to that of our modelling of the sequence. (iii) Further consideration of The least total potential gain in Wimbleball storage refill is in the winter and hence further consideration of the likely level of drawdown of the summer of 1933,is required. It can then be assessed, for the current purposes, to see whether Wimbleball would still refill with only the 65% net gain in storage as identified above. Wimbleball drawdown is heavily influenced by the number of days the River Exe is below the prescribed flow at Thorverton gauging station. The table below shows the driest five years based on this criteria along with 1933 for comparision. southwestwater.co.uk Page A.3

76 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec Remaining net storage (Ml) Remaining net storage (%) South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Table E.3.3 Analysis of number of days the naturalised flow on the River Exe* is below the prescribed flow at Thorverton Year Number of days below prescribed flow at Thorverton * Data provided to us by the Agency As can be seen in the table above, summer of 1933 was not particularly dry. The chart below shows actual historic drawdowns for years when the number of days Thorverton was beneath the prescribed flow was similar to that of The years considered are 1987 (69 days) and 1994 (69 days). Figure E.3.2 Historical Drawdowns At Wimbleball Resevoir Wimbleball Reservoir Years with similar number of days when Thorverton below PF to % % 8% 15 7% 125 6% % 4% 3% 2% 1% % Date southwestwater.co.uk Page A.31

77 E.3.4 Conclusion As can be seen in the chart above, the maximum drawdown was 54% or higher. By comparing these figures with the potential net gain in storage 65% from Table E.3.2 above, it can be seen that, for the current purposes, it is reasonable to assume Wimbleball would still refill in the winter of This work showed there were no dry periods that gave cause for concern. We are therefore confident that our use of data post 1957 provides a good representation of historical droughts from which to derive our drought triggers and reservoir curves, as well as our work on scenario testing in Section 2.5. southwestwater.co.uk Page A.32

78 Appendix F Demand-side drought management actions Table F.1: Publicity, appeals for restraint etc Name Trigger(s) Demand Saving Location Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Publicity, appeals for restraint etc Reservoir storage entering Zone B Extremely difficult to quantify. However, for the purposes of drought planning we estimate this could be give an estimated saving of potential demand of the order of 2.5%. Resource Zone We have a continual programme of water efficiency promotion, but during a drought efforts are substantially increased. The timetable for the production and distribution of leaflets and other publicity material is very short. See also Section 5 of this Report (Management and Communications Strategy). None High level of confidence that savings can be achieved. Table F.2: Leakage control, pressure management and metering Name Trigger(s) Demand Saving Location Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Leakage control, pressure management and metering Reservoir storage entering Zone B Relatively small as recent experience has shown that with leakage at the level of 84 Ml/d, even with very intense leakage control activity there is no potential for significant large scale savings. In a severe drought, these further reductions in leakage could be in the order of up to 5 Ml/d over a short term period. Resource Zone Approximately 4 weeks None There is a high level of confidence in our continuing leakage control work. southwestwater.co.uk Page A.33

79 Table F.3: Temporary water use restrictions Name Trigger(s) Demand Saving % reduction in peak week demand Location Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Temporary water use restrictions (formally termed hosepipe bans) Reservoir storage entering Zone C 5% Resource Zone Advertising time and period for representations. As specified in Section 36 of the Flood and Water Management Act 21. High level of confidence that savings can be achieved. Table F.4: Drought Order to restrict the non-essential use of water Name Trigger(s) Demand Saving % reduction in peak week demand Location Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Drought Order to restrict the non-essential use of water Reservoir storage entering Zone D A further 5%, in addition to the 5% demand saving from imposing temporary water use restrictions in the same demand area. Resource Zone Advertising time and period for representations. Drought Order High level of confidence that savings can be achieved. southwestwater.co.uk Page A.34

80 Appendix G Supply-side drought management actions Appendix G presents a summary of the supply-side drought management actions. None of these actions require authorisation through Drought Permits or Drought Orders. G.1 Summary of supply-side drought management actions Table G.1.1 Supply-side drought management actions list Resource Zone Option No. Option Description Type General 1 Distribution zone management SWW internal management 2 Emergency capital works SWW internal management Colliford 3 Boswyn Shaft, Boswyn Stream, Existing licence Copper Hill Adit 4 Cargenwyn Reservoir Existing licence 5 Carwynen Stream (Botetoe) Existing licence 6 Porth Reservoir and Rialton Intake Existing licence Wimbleball 7 Coleford and Knowle Boreholes Existing licence 8 Stoke Canon and Brampford Speke Existing licence 9 Uton Borehole Existing licence southwestwater.co.uk Page A.35

81 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 G.2 General supply-side drought management actions Table G.2.1: Distribution zone management Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Distribution zone management Reduce the demand on sources under stress and transfer the demand to sources with relative abundance. Zone B Depends on specific actions. Wimbleball, Colliford and/or Roadford supply zones Minimal lead-in time. Operate option for as long as necessary. None. None. Risk to the None. Environment Summary of likely None. environmental impacts Baseline information - used Summary of - additional baseline monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.36

82 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Table G.2.2: Emergency capital works Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Emergency capital works e.g. emergency pumps and pipelines Zone B and/or C Depends on specific actions. Wimbleball, Colliford and/or Roadford supply zones Estimated operational lead-in time of 6 8 weeks, to install equipment and connect to supply system. Operate option for as long as necessary. Planning permission may be required. Permission would be required if capital works requires access to private land. None. Risk to the None. Environment Summary of likely None. environmental impacts Baseline information - used Summary of - additional baseline monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.37

83 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 G.3 Colliford resource zone supply-side drought management actions Table G.3.1: Boswyn Shaft, Boswyn Stream and Copper Hill Adit Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Boswyn Shaft, Boswyn Stream and Copper Hill Adit To restart abstractions from these licensed resources. Zone C In aggregate, maximum licensed abstraction of Ml/d. Whole supply zone Estimated lead-in time of 6 12 weeks to install pumps, pipelines, etc as required. Operate option for as long as necessary. None Permissions required and constraints Risks associated A high level of confidence can be associated with the with option anticipated benefits. Risk to the No significant risk Environment Summary of likely None. These sources have operated for many years environmental historically without any environmental concerns. impacts Baseline information - used Summary of - additional baseline monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.38

84 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Table G.3.2: Cargenwyn Reservoir Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Risk to the Environment Summary of likely environmental impacts Cargenwyn Reservoir To restart abstractions from this licensed resource. Zone C 15 Ml available in total, maximum licensed abstraction rate Ml/d. Whole supply zone Estimated lead-in time of 6 12 weeks to install pumps, pipelines, etc as required. Operate option for as long as necessary. None A high level of confidence can be associated with the anticipated benefits. No significant risk None. These sources have operated for many years historically without any environmental concerns. Baseline information - used Summary of - additional baseline monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.39

85 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Table G.3.3: Carwynen Stream (Botetoe) Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Risk to the Environment Summary of likely environmental impacts Carwynen Stream (Botetoe) To restart abstractions from this licensed resource. Zone C Abstraction of up to 3.49 Ml/d, subject to a prescribed flow and other flow conditions. Whole supply zone Estimated lead-in time of 6 12 weeks to install pumps, pipelines, etc as required. Operate option for as long as necessary. None A high level of confidence can be associated with the anticipated benefits. No significant risk None. These sources have operated for many years historically without any environmental concerns. Baseline information - used Summary of - additional baseline monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.4

86 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Table G.3.4: Porth Reservoir and Rialton Intake Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Permissions required and constraints Risks associated with option Risk to the Environment Summary of likely environmental impacts Porth Reservoir and Rialton Intake Re-commence abstractions from this licensed resource. Zone C 514 Ml available in total, maximum licensed abstraction rate 8.19 Ml/d. Whole supply zone Estimated lead-in time of 6 12 weeks to install pumps, pipelines, etc as required. Operate option for as long as necessary. None A high level of confidence can be associated with the anticipated benefits. No significant risk None. These sources have operated for many years historically without any environmental concerns. Baseline information - used Summary of - additional baseline monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.41

87 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 G.4 Wimbleball resource zone supply-side drought management actions Table G.4.1: Coleford and Knowle Boreholes Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Coleford and Knowle Boreholes To restart abstractions from these licensed boreholes. Zone B Additional supplies of 1.2 Ml/d Whole supply zone Estimated operational lead-in time of 6 8 weeks, to reconnect to supply system and review treatment arrangements. Operate option for as long as necessary. None Permissions required and constraints Risks associated A high level of confidence can be associated with the with option anticipated benefits. Risk to the The risk to the environment is low. Environment Summary of likely None. These sources have operated for many years environmental historically without any environmental concerns. impacts Baseline information - used Summary of Stream flow and groundwater level monitoring specified on additional baseline the licence would be recommenced. monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.42

88 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Table G.4.2: Stoke Canon and Brampford Speke Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Stoke Canon and Brampford Speke To transfer water directly to Pynes WTW using existing licensed sources. Zone B Additional supplies of Ml/d (Stoke Cannon) plus 3.45 Ml/d (Brampford Speke) Whole supply zone Estimated operational lead-in time of 6 8 weeks, to construct an overland pipeline. Operate option for as long as necessary. Landowner permission for overland pipeline. Permissions required and constraints Risks associated A moderately high level of confidence can be associated with with option the anticipated benefits. Risk to the The risk to the environment is low. Environment Summary of likely None environmental impacts Baseline information - used Summary of - additional baseline monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.43

89 Environmental Assessment Option Implementation Assessment South West Water Drought Plan March 213 Table G.4.3: Uton Borehole Option Name Trigger(s) Deployable Output / Resource Benefit of action (Ml/d) Location (Area affected or whole supply zone) Implementation timetable Uton Borehole To restart abstractions from these licensed boreholes. Zone B Additional supplies of.8 Ml/d Whole supply zone Estimated operational lead-in time of 6 8 weeks, to reconnect to supply system and review treatment arrangements. Operate option for as long as necessary. None Permissions required and constraints Risks associated A high level of confidence can be associated with the with option anticipated benefits. Risk to the The risk to the environment is low. Environment Summary of likely None. These sources have operated for many years environmental historically without any environmental concerns. impacts Baseline information - used Summary of - additional baseline monitoring requirements Mitigation measures - Impact on other - activities southwestwater.co.uk Page A.44

90 Appendix H Significant ecological sites Figure H.1: Significant ecological sites in Colliford resource zone South West Water Colliford Resource Zone Colliford Resource Zone Boundary Rivers Population Centres National Parks Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Statutory Nature Conservation Designations Statutory Nature Conservation Designations include: -Sites of Special Scientific Interest -Special Protected Areas -Special Areas of Conservation -RAMSAR Sites southwestwater.co.uk Page A.45

91 Figure H.2: Significant ecological sites in Roadford resource zone South West Water Roadford Resource Zone Roadford Resource Zone Boundary Rivers Population Centres National Parks Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Statutory Nature Conservation Designations Statutory Nature Conservation Designations include: -Sites of Special Scientific Interest -Special Protected Areas -Special Areas of Conservation -RAMSAR Sites southwestwater.co.uk Page A.46

92 Figure H.3: Significant ecological sites in Wimbleball resource zone Wimbleball Resource Zone Boundary Rivers Population Centres National Parks Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Statutory Nature Conservation Designations Statutory Nature Conservation Designations include: -Sites of Special Scientific Interest -Special Protected Areas -Special Areas of Conservation -RAMSAR Sites South West Water Wimbleball Resource Zone southwestwater.co.uk Page A.47

93 Appendix I Communications I.1 Audience and key messages Table I.1.1: Audience and key messages summary Audience type Audience Key messages Timing Subsequent actions Domestic and commercial customers Citizens Advice Bureaux Private customers Consumer Council for Water Consumer Council for Water regional chair Use water wisely Use water wisely UKWIR positive messages Temporary restriction FAQs Water Situation Report Use water wisely UKWIR positive messages Temporary restriction FAQs Water Situation Report Use water wisely UKWIR positive messages Temporary restriction FAQs UKWIR positive messages Temporary restriction FAQs Early water supply campaign and following drought triggers Weekly Ongoing As drought develops Website promotion, maildrops, ongoing media campaign Briefing on customer communications plan Personalised from Chief Executive providing thorough briefing Further briefing as drought develops Tailoring Ensure all customerfacing staff have FAQ information Regular briefing as drought develops as necessary to regional officer Request support with explaining customer messages Regulators Environment Agency OFWAT As per drought plan As per drought plan As required As required Defra Drinking Water Inspectorate Water UK Water Situation Report and further updates Ongoing dialogue Ongoing dialogue March onwards Weekly reports Environmental and other relevant interest organisations and groups Natural England Water Situation Report March onwards Weekly reports As requested southwestwater.co.uk Page A.48

94 Audience type Audience Key messages Timing Subsequent actions Devon and Cornwall Wildlife Trusts South West Lakes Trust Water Situation Report Use water wisely UKWIR positive messages Temporary restriction FAQs March onwards March onwards Weekly reports Treat as customer-facing staff with regular updates Tailoring As requested Further information on impact on water sports and other aspects of their business WWF RSPB CPRE Angling Trust WaterWise We would work with Water UK to brief national bodies As drought develops Water Situation Report MPs and local authorities Representative bodies Local fisheries bodies and groups Councils MPs MEPs Confederation of British Industry, NFU, Chambers of Trade and We are working with our customers to reduce demand and ease pressure on rivers; commitment to environment but in a drought situation continued provision of potable water is essential Use water wisely UKWIR positive messages Temporary restriction FAQs Water Situation Report Use water wisely UKWIR positive messages Temporary restriction FAQs Water Situation Report Water Situation Report Use water wisely UKWIR positive messages Temporary From March onwards From March onwards From March onwards As requested From March onwards Regular briefing on abstractions and river levels Regular briefing as drought develops Regular briefing as drought develops Use water wisely FAQs Further Source for usiness briefing Councils may also get asked FAQs; ensure they receive briefing similar to frontline staff. Personalised from Chief Executive providing thorough briefing Tailored for business customers southwestwater.co.uk Page A.49

95 Audience type Audience Key messages Timing Subsequent actions Commerce, restriction FAQs Countryside Landowners and Business Association, Horticultural Trade Association Community based institutions and organisations Parish Councils Town Councils Use water wisely Signpost to website As drought develops Further water conservation information Tailoring Make use of community newsletters where we can Public services Fire service Police services Temporary restriction FAQs. Information on exemptions for emergency services Press and media Water companies Sports and interest groups Health authorities Newspapers TV Radio Online Wessex Water Other water companies Canoe clubs Angling clubs FAQs Tailored information for health providers Press releases Briefings Interview opportunities Background information Our only neighbouring water company. We would remain in regular dialogue with Wessex Water particularly about our shared resource We would work with Water UK to brief other water companies We are working with our customers to reduce demand and ease pressure on rivers; In preparation for temporary restrictions Pro-active media relations work Ongoing As drought develops Ongoing support as required Ongoing as required As required Use water wisely messages; we need to work together during a drought. Information tailored for health providers Briefings with editors to promote accurate reporting Information focused on river levels southwestwater.co.uk Page A.5

96 Audience type Audience Key messages Timing Subsequent actions commitment to environment but in a drought situation continued provision of potable water is essential Waterways and navigation British Waterways (or successor organisation) Canal authorities We are working with our customers to reduce demand and ease pressure on rivers; commitment to environment but in a drought situation continued provision of potable water is essential As drought develops Water Situation Report Tailoring Information focused on river levels. southwestwater.co.uk Page A.51

97 I.2 Example press release PR June 21 For Immediate Release South West Water well placed to cope with dry summer While speculation about drought in other areas of the country grows, South West Water is reassuring customers that water restrictions in the South West are highly unlikely. Despite the recent spell of sunny weather, reservoir levels in the South West are looking healthy and although river levels reflect the recent dry weather, regional groundwater levels remain around average or above for the time of year. Total reservoir storage is 85.8%, compared to 92.8% at this time last year. Colliford is 93% full, Roadford is 84% full and Wimbleball is 84% full. There have been no hosepipe bans in the south west since 1996 and since the droughts of 1976, when customers in north Devon had to collect water from standpipes, South West Water has developed five new reservoirs - Roadford, Wimbleball, Colliford, Stannon and Park - increasing the region s storage total by 7, megalitres. Stannon, a former china clay quarry bought from minerals extraction company Imerys in 28, will become a fully operational reservoir by the end of this summer. It holds over 8, megalitres of water, and is around 6 metres deep. Neil Whiter, South West Water s Water Strategy Manager, said: We have put in place a comprehensive strategy to ensure a continued secure supply of water for the region. 29 was the 1 th consecutive summer with no water restrictions and it is most unlikely that there will need to be any restrictions in 21. Adding ark and Stannon to the distribution network represents a significant addition to water resources in Cornwall and further increases the robustness of our water supply system. For further information and interviews, contact Becky Moran, Communications Officer, on southwestwater.co.uk Page A.52

98 Reservoir details: Reservoir Areas supplied Net capacity (Ml) Current storage (%) Roadford Plymouth, North, West and South Devon 34, Colliford Cornwall 28, Wimbleball Exeter and East Devon 21, Stithians West Cornwall 4, Burrator Torbay, South Devon 4, Siblyback East Cornwall 3, Meldon Mid Devon 3,2 65. Park Cornwall 2, Kennick, Trenchford and Tottiford South Devon 2, Fernworthy South Devon 1, Wistlandpound North Devon 1, Upper Tamar Bude and North Cornwall 1, Argal West Cornwall 1, Drift Penzance 1,2 1. Avon South Devon 1, Crowdy North Cornwall 1, Venford Torbay and South Devon College West Cornwall Ends - Notes for editors South West Water provides water and sewerage services to over 1.65 million residents across Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset and Dorset and over 1 million visitors a year. South West Water operates 634 sewage treatment works and 39 water treatment works. South West Water supplies over 42 million litres of water to its customers every day. South West Water has three major strategic reservoirs - Wimbleball on Exmoor, Colliford on Bodmin Moor, and Roadford, our biggest reservoir, which supplies Plymouth and South Devon - and 15 smaller, local reservoirs. ENDS For further information please contact: Becky Moran on southwestwater.co.uk Page A.53

99 I.3 Example South West Water website screenshot southwestwater.co.uk Page A.54

100 Appendix J Glossary Technical terms used in this Plan are consistent with the glossary in Appendix B of the Water Company Drought Plan Guideline (Environment Agency, 211). The glossary has been reproduced below. Abstraction Abstraction licence Baseline Bulk transfers Control curves Demand management Drought management area Deployable Output Drought order Drought permit Environmental assessment The removal of water from any source, either permanently or temporarily. The authorisation granted by the Environment Agency to allow the removal of water from a source. Information on the environment that details conditions prior to implementation of a drought action. A legal agreement for exporting and importing water between a donor and recipient operator. A diagram or graph presenting drought triggers levels. The implementation of policies or measures which serve to manage control or influence the consumption or waste of water. The area (within a resource zone) that a particular drought management action will apply to as specified. The output of a commissioned source or group of sources or of bulk supply as constrained by: environment licence, if applicable pumping plant and/or well or aquifer properties raw water mains and/or aquifers transfer and/or output main treatment water quality An authorisation granted by the Secretary of State under drought conditions which imposes restrictions upon the use of water and/or allows for abstraction/impoundment outside the schedule of existing licences on a temporary basis. An authorisation granted by the Environment Agency under drought conditions which allows for abstraction/impoundment outside the schedule of existing licences on a temporary basis. An assessment of environmental sensitivity and likely impacts from implementing drought management actions. southwestwater.co.uk Page A.55

101 Environmental monitoring plan Environmental report Feature Government Habitats Regulations In-drought monitoring Levels of service NNR Ramsar site Resource zone SAC SPA The plan of how the company will address: gaps in the environmental assessment of the supply-side drought management action in- drought monitoring post drought monitoring The report that accompanies an application for a drought order or drought permit. It should be based on the information from within the environmental assessment and updated with any additional information. A way of describing an ecological, chemical, habitat or morphological element to be assessed. For example a species of plant or animal, habitat type or sub-habitat type. In this guideline Government refers to central Government (Defra) and the Welsh Government. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 21. The domestic legislation which transposes the EU Habitats and Wild Birds Directives into UK law and replaces the Conservation (natural habitats &c) Regulations Monitoring that is undertake during the implementation of a drought management action. The standard of service that water company customers can expect to receive from their water company, commonly setting out the frequency of restrictions that a company expects to apply to its customers. National Nature Reserve - designation to protect the most important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations in Britain, and as places for scientific research. Internationally important wetland site. The largest possible zone in which all resources, including external transfers, can be shared and hence the zone in which all customers experience the same risk of supply failure from a resource shortfall. Special Area of Conservation - Designated under the European Habitats Directive (1991) Special Protection Area - Classified under the European Birds Directive (1979) southwestwater.co.uk Page A.56

102 SSSI Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive Water resource management plan or WRMP Site of Special Scientific Interest - A site given a statutory designation by English Nature or the Countryside Council for Wales because it is particularly important, on account of its nature conservation value. The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive ensures significant environmental effects arising from proposed plans and programmes are identified, assessed, subjected to public participation, taken into account by decision-makers and monitored. A water company long-term strategic plan for water supply and demand over 25 years. Water Resource Zone See Resource zone southwestwater.co.uk Page A.57

103 Appendix K Relevant legislation for water company drought plans (Environment Agency, 211) K.1 Core water resource planning legislation: Water Industry Act 1991 and Water Act 23 (s.63 of the Water Act 23 inserted new sections 39B & 39C into the Water Industry Act 1991) (s.62 of the Water Act 23 inserted new sections 37B-D into Water Industry Act 1991) Drought Plan Direction pdf Drought Plan Regulations 25 Drought Direction rection211.pdf Flood and Water Management Act 21 (s.36; amends the Water Industry Act 1991 by substituting a new s.76) Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order 21 K.2 Other relevant legislation: Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 24 and (Wales) Regulations 24 (from Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 21/42/EC) (England) (Wales) Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 21 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2, Section 28G). southwestwater.co.uk Page A.58

104 Appendix L Example Water Situation Report southwestwater.co.uk Page A.59

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