River Exe Water & Carbon Case Study

Ever wondered how a single river system can supply water to thousands of people whilst also managing flood risks? The River Exe in Southwest England demonstrates exactly how complex water management works in the real world.

The river starts its 60-mile journey on Exmoor in Somerset, flowing southward through Devon before reaching the English Channel at Exmouth. Its drainage basin covers diverse landscapes - from 67% grassland and 15% woodland to just 2% urban areas, with elevations ranging from sea level mudflats to 515m peaks.

Wimbleball Reservoir represents human intervention at its finest. Built by damming the River Haddeo, this 150-hectare reservoir sits 440m above sea level and serves a crucial purpose - supplying water to east Devon and Exeter through a sophisticated pipeline system to Wessex Waters.

The reservoir doesn't just store water; it's a flood management hero. By regulating yearly discharge, it significantly reduces peak flows (remember, the highest recorded discharge hit 440 cumecs in 1960) and cuts flooding risks for downstream communities.

Key Point: The drainage basin acts as an open system - energy from the sun and precipitation enter, whilst water leaves through evaporation and river flow, making it fundamentally different from a closed system with no inputs or outputs.