A bridge submerged for decades has re-emerged as water levels at Wimbleball Lake in Exmoor National Park have dropped significantly amid prolonged heat. The original Bessom Bridge, which was inundated following the flooding of the valley in the late 1970s to create the reservoir, has become visible due to the reservoir’s current low water volume.

Wimbleball Lake, spanning 530 acres, is a crucial water supply source for the surrounding region. The reservoir has a maximum capacity of approximately 21.3 billion litres of water, but recent conditions have reduced it to just 28% of that total. This decline is attributed to the intense heatwave experienced across the country during the summer, which is recorded as the hottest on record in the United Kingdom.

The reservoir plays a vital role in providing fresh drinking water to about 300,000 homes and businesses across Tiverton, Exeter, and much of East Devon. The exposure of Bessom Bridge highlights the severe reduction in water reserves in the area, underscoring concerns about water availability during extreme weather events. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as communities depend on the reservoir for their water needs.