Local News · Swindon
Thames Water Seeks Drought Permit to Protect Swindon Water Supplies
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Thames Water is applying for a temporary permit to increase water extraction from the River Thames as drought conditions threaten reservoir levels in the region.
Thames Water has launched a consultation regarding plans to extract additional water from the River Thames to bolster dwindling supplies at the Farmoor Reservoir. The reservoir, which serves as a critical water source for areas including parts of Wiltshire around Swindon, is currently at 76 per cent capacity, a level described as below average for this time of year.
The utility company states that exceptionally dry weather throughout 2026 has significantly reduced river flows and limited the water available for abstraction. Consequently, Thames Water is seeking a temporary drought permit from the Environment Agency to modify its existing abstraction licence.
While the company asserts that the measure is necessary to maintain resilient public water supplies for homes and businesses during the ongoing drought, the proposal involves taking more water from the Thames downstream of the Farmoor site. Thames Water maintains that it does not expect this to negatively impact other water users, though it has committed to a rigorous monitoring programme in collaboration with the Environment Agency and Natural England.
This monitoring will assess river flow, water quality, and the protection of habitats and wildlife. The company has stated that if environmental harm is detected, it is prepared to take mitigating action, which may include pumping water into vulnerable watercourses or conducting fish rescues.
Residents who wish to review the detailed plans can visit the Farmoor Fishery or the Environment Agency office at Crowmarsh Gifford, near Wallingford. The formal consultation period remains open until 23 September 2026.
The region continues to operate under a hosepipe ban which has been in place since 23 July. There is currently no confirmed end date for these restrictions. Under current regulations, households found in breach of the hosepipe ban face potential fines of up to £1,000.
Source: Swindon Advertiser · View original