World · Europe · 11 hrs ago
Drought leaves Lundy short of water as island limits visitors and use
Lundy, a small island off north Devon in southwest England, has had no significant rain since the start of May.
Its 28 residents, visitors and businesses depend on rainwater and five boreholes for water.
A fortnight ago, the tanks were at 13% capacity, enough to last about a week.
The island brought water over by boat, limited visitor numbers, closed its campsite and pub toilets, and asked people to use less water.
Water from a freshwater pool has helped raise tank levels to 22.5%, but the pool is starting to run dry and no substantial rain is forecast.
The island has ordered a new tank that can hold 300,000 litres, while a seawater desalination plant has been suggested but may be too costly and energy-intensive.
Island staff say conserving water is essential as they look for ways to make supplies more reliable.
Lundy has received no significant rain since the start of May, leaving its water supplies perilously low.
The island has limited visitor numbers and restricted water use, while its campsite and pub toilets have closed.
Water was brought by boat, and about 12,000 litres a day has been taken from a freshwater pool to raise tank levels.
The island’s tanks reached 13% capacity before rising to 22.5%, but the pool is now starting to run dry.
A new 300,000-litre tank has been ordered as the island looks for ways to secure its future water supply.
- Who
- Lundy’s 28 residents, island staff and visitors are affected by the water shortage.
- What
- Drought has left the island short of water, prompting visitor limits and restrictions on water use.
- When
- No significant rain has fallen since the start of May. The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Lundy, an island 10 miles off the coast of north Devon.
- Why
- The island relies on rainwater and five boreholes, and has had prolonged dry weather. Tom Carr also cited climate change and the island’s topography.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We know we have to find ways of future proofing ourselves.
A dripping tap can lose a lot of water.
Climate change is here, it’s happening. We’re having hotter, drier summers.
No significant rain has fallen on Lundy.
The island’s tanks were at 13% capacity, enough for about a week.
Lundy received confirmation that water from Pondsbury could be used.
About 12,000 litres a day has been taken from Pondsbury, and tank levels have risen to 22.5%.
- Residents
- 28 people live on Lundy
- Distance
- 10 miles off the coast of north Devon
- Tank capacity
- The ordered new tank will hold 300,000 litres
- Pondsbury supply
- About 12,000 litres taken each day
- Tank levels
- Rose from 13% to 22.5%
Sources
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