Wessex Water has introduced a hosepipe ban across its supply region, including much of Somerset, after months of unusually dry weather, repeated heatwaves and heavy demand for water. The Temporary Use Ban came into force today, with customers told not to use hosepipes for a range of non-essential activities.

The water company said its network was under increasing pressure following record-breaking heatwaves and lower-than-average rainfall. It said demand had been significantly higher than normal through the summer, with further hot weather expected and no significant rainfall forecast.

It is the first time water restrictions have been needed in the Wessex Water region for 50 years. Wessex Water said the ban was necessary to protect water supplies, safeguard the environment and ensure there was enough water for essential household and business use.

Under the restrictions, customers must not use a hosepipe for watering gardens or plants, cleaning private vehicles, filling or maintaining domestic swimming or paddling pools, or for domestic recreational use.

Hosepipes must also not be used to fill or maintain ornamental fountains, clean the walls or windows of homes, wash paths or patios, or clean other artificial outdoor surfaces.

Everyday household water use is not affected, meaning residents can continue to shower, wash and use water normally indoors. People can also water plants with a watering can, use stored rainwater from a water butt and fill a bucket to wash a car.

Some customers and activities are exempt from the restrictions. Wessex Water advises anyone who believes they may qualify to check its hosepipe ban exemptions, while customers can also check whether Wessex Water supplies their property.

The company has not confirmed when the restrictions will end. It has said water resources remain under significant pressure and the ban will be removed when conditions allow.

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Wessex Water said it was also stepping up work on its own network, with all available resources being put into finding and fixing leaks. In July, the company said the number of leaks found and repaired increased by a third.

Its water supply grid is also being used to move water from areas with a surplus to places where it is needed most.

Residents are being encouraged to cut their water use where possible by taking shorter showers, only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads, reusing suitable washing-up water on plants and allowing lawns to turn brown rather than watering them.

Anyone wanting more information about what is covered by the restrictions can visit Wessex Water's hosepipe ban FAQs.

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