Wessex Water issues its first hosepipe ban in 50 years. Picture: Pixabay

Hosepipe ban: Wessex Water issues first ban in 50 years

Jamie JonesAugust 17, 20260 Comment0

WESSEX water has issued its first hosepipe ban in 50 years following unprecedented hot, dry weather.

The water board says they need to protect water resources for both its customers and the environment.

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

Wessex Water Chief Executive, Ruth Jefferson, said: “We understand this may be frustrating and appreciate the impact it may have on you. We would like to thank you for using water wisely throughout the summer and for your understanding, support and cooperation.”

Wessex Water covers most of Wiltshire, including Salisbury Plain and the majority of Dorset, Somerset and Bristol, including major population centers such as Bournemouth, Poole, Bath, and Weston-super-Mare. The last time water restrictions were issued in the region was 1976.

What does Wiltshire hosepipe ban include?

A hosepipe ban, also known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), restricts the use of hosepipes for certain non-essential activities such as watering the garden and cleaning your car, to help conserve water during periods of prolonged dry weather.

What can you no longer use a hosepipe for?

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.

You may be exempt from the ban if you 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. A complete list of exemptions can be found on the Wessex Water website.

When does Wiltshire hosepipe ban start?

The hosepipe ban starts on Tuesday (August 18). From this point, you must not use a hosepipe for activities covered by the restrictions.

Wessex Water were unable to confirm when restrictions would be lifted but said they would “continue to monitor reservoir levels, river flows, groundwater levels, and demand for water” and would lift the ban as soon as they could.