Shocking drone images show how water levels at a reservoir have fallen dangerously low to just 20 per cent following a summer of droughts. Photographs captured from above Wimbleball Lake, in Exmoor, reveal the worryingly low water levels against the backdrop of a barren-looking countryside landscape. The reservoir is currently measuring less than a quarter of its capacity sparking fears of the effect this summer's droughts are having on the UK water supply. The Environment Agency officially declared drought status for the area in August after the driest conditions for 90 years. The average reserves are below what they were in the previous exceptionally dry year of 1995 - where the reservoir’s capacity was still above 80 per cent. Water sports have also been cancelled on the lake until further notice 'due to the unprecedented and prolonged period of hot and dry weather' this summer. The dramatic images were captured by Paul Scullion, 41, a freelance photographer and factory worker, from Taunton, Somerset, on Wednesday (12/10). He said: “I'd heard the water levels were low there and I wanted to check it out myself - but what I saw was pretty shocking. "A couple of years ago the Wimbleball water levels were right up underneath the bridge. It’s unbelievable how low the water levels are now. “I’ve driven over near the reservoir before and seen children playing in the water and jumping off the bridge into the water. "This was only a few years back but they certainly can't do that right now". South West Water reported the reservoir’s water storage level had dropped to 20 per cent on October 9. This year's figures showed water levels had plunged more than 20 per cent in total since 2021. On their website, South West Water said the low water levels are caused by a pro-longed period of below-average rainfall. In some parts of Cornwall and North Devon, houses have experienced hosepipe bans to help protect the water supply whilst levels remain low. A South West Water spokesperson said last month: “While we welcome the recent rainfall, this is not yet enough to compensate for the prolonged period of exceptionally dry weather this year. "As the dry weather continues, we’re asking everyone in the region to think hard about the water they use to help protect supplies. “We’re also doing everything we can, from finding and fixing more leaks than ever before, offering free private customer leak repairs, access to water saving devices and working closely with businesses and farmers to help reduce their usage.” The South West Lakes Trust also announced on their website last month: "Due to the unprecedented and prolonged period of hot and dry weather, the low water levels and deep mud are making it very difficult to access the water at Wimbleball Lake safely. "For this reason there will only be limited on-water activities available until further notice." Wimbleball is one of the South West’s largest reservoirs. It was built during the 70s and completed in 1979 and is designed to provide a water storage capacity of 21,000 megalitres over an area of 374 acres.