Low water levels at Stithians Lake, located near Redruth in Cornwall, have forced the partial closure of the reservoir to water sports. Following a prolonged dry summer, the site sits at just 27% capacity. This raises ongoing concerns regarding regional water supplies and the impact of changing weather patterns on south and west Cornwall.
Reservoir Capacity Plummets Following Dry Summer
South West Water reports that Stithians Lake requires sustained rainfall over a number of months to significantly improve storage levels. It is one of Cornwall’s largest reservoirs and supplies drinking water to more than 250,000 people across south and west Cornwall. Current monitoring places the reservoir’s capacity at approximately 24.5% to 27% full following months of minimal precipitation and above-average temperatures.
The diminishing water volume has exposed significant environmental and infrastructure challenges. Local residents and visitors walking around the reservoir have noted visible drops in water levels over recent weeks. This prompts widespread discussion about the long-term viability of water resources in the region during hotter summers.
Water Sports Restrictions and Safety Concerns
The falling water levels have directly impacted recreational use at the site. The lake normally serves as a popular hub for activities such as wing foiling, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and eFoiling through the Stithians Lake Activity Centre.
Lark Bridges, the lake’s chief water sports instructor, explained that receding waters have exposed dangerous underwater topography. “There are underwater hazards so we’ve closed that off for safety reasons,” Bridges said. “It’s cutting things short and that’s a bit sad. The area that we normally use for equipment hire and people using their own kit is now too shallow for any activities.”
Broader Drought Pressures Across Devon and Cornwall
The situation at Stithians mirrors wider hydrological stress across the region. Sam Bottomley, South West Water’s director of water operations, noted that reservoirs including Stithians and Wimbleball in Devon continue to see declining levels despite occasional light rainfall.
“It really hasn’t rained anywhere near enough to replenish or even stop the decay of the reservoirs at the moment, they are all still dropping. So even the rain you see hasn’t actually given us any significant benefit in levels,” Bottomley stated.
An active hosepipe ban remains in place across Devon and Cornwall. However, consumer water consumption remains stubbornly high due to warmer-than-average seasonal temperatures. Water companies and government officials continue to urge residents to reduce water usage while evaluating long-term infrastructure strategies to safeguard public supplies against future droughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Stithians Lake been partially closed?
Stithians Lake has restricted water sports activities like wing foiling and paddleboarding because receding water levels have exposed underwater hazards, making certain areas unsafe for equipment and users.
What is the current water level at Stithians Lake?
The reservoir is currently operating at between 24.5% and 27% of its total capacity following a prolonged dry summer and ongoing drought conditions.
How many people rely on water from Stithians Lake?
More than 250,000 residents across south and west Cornwall receive their tap water from the Stithians reservoir system.
Are hosepipe bans currently in place in the area?
Yes, a hosepipe ban remains active across Devon and Cornwall as utility providers work to manage dwindling supplies during the ongoing dry period.
What needs to happen for water levels to recover?
According to South West Water, the region requires sustained, regular rainfall over a period of several months to meaningfully replenish storage levels in Stithians Lake and other local reservoirs.
