Fabled 'drowned village' on Dartmoor could re-emerge before our eyes
South West Water has 'no immediate concerns' about supplies at Burrator Reservoir on Dartmoor, but is closely monitoring the situation
by Max ChannonWater levels at Burrator - the Dartmoor Reservoir that helps keep Plymouth supplied with water - are falling at a similar rate to in 1995.
That year the UK had a summer drier than the one in 1976 when water rationing and standpipes had to be introduced.
However, while South West Water (SWW) is closely monitoring the situation, it says it has 'no immediate concerns' - but would encourage people to use water wisely, whatever the weather.
The water service provider's website shows that Burrator is currently at 58.7% capacity, while other reservoirs in Devon and Cornwall are at between 84.4% and 91.6% capacity. And a graph of storage levels at Burrator show capacity has fallen at a trajectory that matches 1995.
While this means we could once again see the ruins of settlements that have spawned myths of a 'drowned village' under Burrator Reservoir, SWW has said its total water storage capacity is actually higher than it was at this time last year.
“Our total reservoir storage is 86.7% compared to 84.2% at this time last year," said a spokesperson.
“We have no immediate concerns, but as usual we are closely monitoring the situation as we head into the peak demand season. This is a helpful opportunity to remind customers that water is always a precious resource and we encourage people to use it wisely, whatever the weather. This not only helps the environment but also helps to keep customer bills down.
“Plymouth benefits from a range of water resources including Burrator Reservoir, Roadford Reservoir, the River Tamar and the River Tavy. This flexibility means we normally use water from Burrator Reservoir first because it is closest to Plymouth and does not require pumping.
“Since mid-May we have reduced the amount of water we are taking from Burrator from around 70-85 mega litres per day to around 36 mega litres per day and are using other sources instead. If the weather remains dry, we will continue to reduce abstraction from Burrator and increase abstraction from other sources to conserve Burrator storage. This is normal operating practice."
Tips for saving water (and money if you’re on a meter!)
In the garden:
• Use a watering can instead of a hose
• If your garden needs watering, do so early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose to clean your car (or leave it for another week – it’s only going to get dusty!)
• Use any remaining water from your water butt first
In the home:
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
• Keep a jug of water in the fridge so you don’t have to run your tap cold
• Use a bowl for washing up / rinsing fruit and veg – then use this water for plants
• Have a shower instead of a bath
• Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load (this will save money on your energy bills too)#
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• Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need (this will save energy too)
• Fix leaking taps and toilets
The 'drowned village' at Burrator Reservoir
One of the most pervasive myths in Plymouth history is that of Dartmoor's drowned village.
On dark and stormy nights Janners will tell the tale of an entire town lurking in the murky depths of Burrator Reservoir.
"On a quiet night you can still hear the church bells chime," they'll say with the flicker of an eyelid and much ominous pointing of fingers.
The story goes that when construction of the dam was complete, a village at the heart of what would become the reservoir was abandoned and the water rushed in - concealing it forever in the depths of the lake.
Spooky.