35 shocking pictures show dropping level of reservoir used to maintain River Severn

A series of shocking images show just how far the level at one of the region’s key reservoirs has fallen.

The pictures, taken with a drone by H18-PDW Photography, show the current state of the Clywedog reservoir in Mid Wales, near Llanidloes.

The giant water storage facility does not supply drinking water, and is instead used to regulate the flow of the River Severn - Britain’s longest river.

The river flows from Mid Wales, through Newtown, past Welshpool, to Shrewsbury, Ironbridge and then Bridgnorth.

In recent weeks there have been concerns over the falling level of water at the key reservoir.

That worry was crystallised by the Environment Agency and National Resources Wales last week when they applied for a River Severn Drought Order to the UK and Welsh Government’s respectively.

The unprecedent heatwave of recent months has had a major impact on the River Severn and the water needed to keep it flowing.

As of Monday, August 17, the reservoir was at 48.4 per cent of capacity - having fallen from 55.6 per cent on August 10 - and compared to 76.4 per cent on August 11 last year.

The Environment Agency said the drought order was needed to “prevent sections of Britain’s longest river from drying out” and Clywedog being “completely exhausted”.

He said: “We are exceptionally concerned about the impact that the drought is having on the River Severn's habitats and surrounding farmers.

“We need to see significant and sustained rainfall for this drought to end. This Drought Order, if made, will stop the Clywedog reservoir from being completely exhausted and will prevent sections of Britain’s longest river from drying out.

“We still expect water companies to follow their drought plans and encourage an earlier use of Temporary Use Bans to protect public water supplies and preserve the environment.

“Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife, and local rivers.”

A consultation on the drought order closes today - Tuesday, August 25.