Lundy Island, situated in the Bristol Channel off the north Devon coast, faces potential closure because of low water levels. The hottest and driest summer on record has presented a "steep learning curve" for the island's residents, according to Lundy managing director Derek Green.
No significant rainfall has occurred since April, causing reservoir levels to drop to a low of 13%. Consequently, emergency water shipments from the mainland became necessary.
The Landmark Trust manages the island's resources, forcing the pumping of water from ponds used by wildlife to a treatment works as a "last resort." Green stated, "Bringing in pond water is something we've never had to do before."
Furthermore, Green added, "It's really our last chance saloon here." Water usage on the island averages between 9,000 litres and 11,000 litres daily.
Residents have implemented conservation measures, with Matt Scantlebury noting that people are showering using buckets to collect water for flushing toilets, which saves water. The island's pub, The Tavern, consequently closed its toilets and removed bath plugs.
A seasonal passenger ferry, the MS Oldenberg, began delivering water from north Devon in August. The initial delivery of approximately 67,000 litres cost around £7,000.
Since August, the ferry has transported 4,000 litres of water three times each week. BBC meteorologist David Braine predicted some rain for Lundy, but warned that topping up the groundwater and reservoirs would take several weeks.
The island's pub, The Tavern, closed toilets and removed bath plugs. Matt Scantlebury also advised that without substantial rain over the autumn and winter, maintaining a "reasonable level" would prove difficult.
Tara McEvoy-Wilding observed that the year 2026 served as a stark reminder of the drought, noting that the "brown, sad and crispy" vegetation highlighted the dryness.
