Not much mention of water shortages lately. I was surprised to see that
SWWater show current reserves higher than at the same time last year.
Especially as during the 10 months ending 31/08/04 I recorded 1011mm rain,
and for the same period this year it's just 591 - (58% of last years and 61%
of the 1971-2000 norm for the period).

Looking a bit deeper, this seems to be because much of Devon had a wet July,
and this is where most of the SW Water reserves are. In west Cornwall the
biggest resevoir is Stithians, which is down on last year and falling
rapidly, despite water being pumped down to it.

Penzance is served by Drift, and as far as I know there is no pipeline from
up the county to top it up. It is significantly lower than last year and
falling rapidly. I suppose SW Water are keeping an eye on it, and not just
seeing the overall picture.

Graham

Penzance Weather www.easterling.freeserve.co.uk/weather.html
Holiday Cottage www.easterling.freeserve.co.uk