Wessex Water imposes first hosepipe ban in 50 years – restrictions come into force TONIGHT (officially 00.01 on Tuesday 18th August) across its supply area. The last was put in place during the infamous hot summer of 1976.
The water company says record-breaking heatwaves, below-average rainfall and exceptionally high demand have placed increasing pressure on supplies. With further hot weather expected and no significant rain forecast, it has introduced a Temporary Use Ban covering all customers to whom it supplies water.
From Tuesday, hosepipes must not be used for watering gardens or domestic plants, washing private cars, filling swimming or paddling pools, filling ornamental fountains or cleaning domestic windows, walls, paths, patios and other outdoor surfaces.
Everyday household water use, including showering and washing, is unaffected. Gardens can still be watered using a watering can or water collected in a water butt, while buckets of water can be used to wash cars.
Wessex Water says it is 50 years since restrictions of this kind were last required in its region.
The company said: ‘We have introduced one because water resources are under significant pressure due to prolonged dry weather and demand throughout the summer has been significantly higher than normal.
‘It’s been 50 years since water restrictions were last needed in the Wessex Water region, but they are necessary to help protect water supplies, safeguard the environment and ensure enough water is available for essential use by customers and businesses.’
There are exemptions for customers with certain medical conditions, physical impairments or mobility needs, including people recovering from hospital treatment and those with conditions including Parkinson’s, MS, MND, cancer, severe arthritis and organ failure. Eligible customers who are not already registered can apply to join Wessex Water’s Priority Services Register.
The company says it has increased the number of leaks found and repaired by a third during July and is using its regional water supply grid to move water from areas with greater supplies to those under most pressure.
Customers are also being asked to reduce consumption where possible, including taking shorter showers, only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads and allowing lawns to turn brown.
The restrictions begin at 00.01 on Tuesday 18th August and will remain in place until Wessex Water announces they can be lifted.
