Hosepipe ban in force

South West Water has introduced temporary restrictions on hosepipe use for all customers across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset and the Isles of Scilly. This follows one of the driest periods in recent years, with rainfall across the South West remaining well below seasonal averages over many months, which has led to the Environment Agency declaring half of England, including the South West, in drought.

Under the new restrictions, people should not use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios and boats, hot tubs or filling swimming and paddling pools. Water can still be used as normal for drinking, hygiene, washing and cooking. There is a dedicated area on South West Water's website that provides full details of the temporary restrictions, exceptions and advice on saving water: www.southwestwater.co.uk/hosepipe-ban 

The temporary ban came into force on Saturday, August 8.