Famed for its puffins, the picture-perfect island of Lundy attracts birdwatchers from all over. But the island is on the cusp of being evacuated as water levels drop to the lowest levels ever, forcing residents to take drastic measures to ensure supplies do not run out. Located in the Bristol Channel off the north Devon coast, the 5km (3.1 mile) long island is not the first place you expect to be running out of water.
It is rich with wildlife including puffins and seals and its rugged landscape makes for breathtaking views. But speak to the handful of residents here and they will tell you of the battle waged since summer to ensure the taps do not run dry. Entirely self-sufficient, the National Trust-owned island relies on a combination of rainwater and boreholes drilled into the granite for supplies.
Severe water shortages in Lundy are not new, with islanders and visitors previously resorting to bottled water. But the hottest and driest summer on record has been a "steep learning curve" for islanders, said Lundy managing director Derek Green. He said there had been no significant rainfall since April and it had barely seen 20% of the typical 1.5m (4.92ft) rain it expected by this time of year.
Reservoir levels dropped to 13% at their lowest, forcing emergency shipments of water from the mainland to the 28 people who live on the island. Water restrictions are also in place for residents and visitors. Among the more extreme measures is the removal of plugs so tourists are not tempted to take a bath.
The island, which is managed by the Landmark Trust, is now pumping water from ponds used by wildlife to a treatment works as a "last resort". "Bringing in pond water is something we've never had to do before," Green explained. "It's really our last chance saloon here.
"If we didn't do this, we would be facing the reality of closing Lundy... it would be devastating for us." Green stressed pond levels had started to drop and a seasonal passenger ferry that has been shipping water to the island is due to end later this month. "Hopefully the reserve in the pond will last until it rains but because it hasn't rained in so long, this is desperate measures," he said. "We've got a working farm here and the animals need water every day... so to evacuate those animals, those people and to cancel all those holiday is something that has never happened in the history of Lundy before.
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