Hosepipe ban introduced by Wessex Water: Here’s what you need to know…

Paul JonesAugust 17, 20260 Comment0

WESSEX Water has imposed a hosepipe ban – the first in the region since 1976 – as a result of record-breaking low rainfall and high temperatures.

Much of Somerset is covered by the ban, along with parts of Wiltshire and Dorset, which comes into force at midnight tonight (August 17).

“Following months of unprecedented hot and dry weather, demand for water has never been higher and we need to protect our water resources, both for you and the environment,” the company said in a message to customers.

“Demand is currently 30% higher than average, and with more hot weather to come and no significant rain forecast, we’ve made the difficult decision to introduce a hosepipe ban.

“It has been 50 years since water restrictions were last introduced in the Wessex Water region. We have worked hard to avoid the need for restrictions, but introducing a hosepipe ban now is necessary as no significant rainfall has been forecast for the coming weeks.”

What does the hosepipe ban actually mean?

Also known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), a hosepipe ban “restricts the use of hosepipes for certain non-essential activities to help conserve water during periods of prolonged dry weather”, the company said.

When does the hosepipe ban start?

The hosepipe ban will be in place from 00.01 on Tuesday – from midnight on Monday night effectively – with no end date confirmed.

“At this time, we can’t confirm when restrictions will be lifted,” Wessex Water said. “We will continue to monitor reservoir levels, river flows, groundwater levels, and demand for water. We will remove the hosepipe ban as soon as we can and let you know.”

What am I banned from doing during a hosepipe ban?

The following are prohibited while the Wessex Water hosepipe ban is in place:

Watering gardens, lawns, flowers and plants
Filling or maintaining paddling pools and swimming pools
Washing private vehicles
Cleaning patios, paths, driveways, walls and windows
Filling ornamental ponds or fountains
Cleaning outdoor surfaces

Are there any exemptions to the hosepipe ban?

People may be exempt from the hosepipe ban if they are unable to make “reasonable adjustments due to a health condition or disability”.

“Using a hosepipe for health and safety needs, animal welfare and some business services and activities are also exempt from the restrictions,” the firm said.

A complete list of exemptions from the hosepipe ban can be found at wessexwater.co.uk/hosepipe-ban.

The news comes after months of unusually dry weather in the UK, including a number of heatwaves that have left land parched and reservoirs struggling to maintain water levels.

This week is set to see temperatures drop, according to the Met Office, but with no prolonged periods of rain forecast, Wessex Water said it had taken the decision to introduce the hosepipe ban.