// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Puffin island on cusp of closure as it runs out of water
Lundy Island, in the Bristol Channel off the north Devon coast, is facing closure unless it receives meaningful rainfall
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.
Island managing director Derek Green said closing the island would be devastating
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.