Councillors say Exeter needs better hydration and are pressing the city to install more public water stations.
Green councillors will bring a motion to the full council meeting on September 8, calling for public water stations at council-owned city centre sites before summer 2027. The Guildhall Shopping Centre is one suggested location.
Devon's summer of 2026 was exceptionally hot and record-breakingly dry, leading to a severe drought that was officially declared by August. Exeter Airport logged 21 consecutive 'heatwave' days in July, with temperatures continuously peaking at or above 25 degrees. By late August, river flows across Devon had dropped to 'exceptionally low' levels, and at Trews Weir on the River Exe the Environment Agency recorded the lowest flows ever.
The councillors also note that seven billion plastic water bottles are sold each year, and only about half are recycled.
Cllr Helen Terry (Green, Heavitree), who proposed the motion, said: “The recent heatwaves have shown how important it is that we ensure people keep hydrated and well. Public water stations are
Exeter Councillors Propose Water Stations After Record Heatwaves