The information below is from the Wessex Water website – much more info is available if you go onto the website
Hosepipe ban
Following months of unprecedented dry weather, repeated heatwaves and forecasts for further hot conditions, we have introduced a temporary hosepipe ban.
Hosepipe ban is now in place
Updated: 17 August 2026
Following a period of record breaking heatwaves and lower-than-average rainfall, our water supply network is under increasing pressure.
We’ve seen record levels of demand for water and with more hot weather to come and no significant rain forecast, we’ve made the difficult decision to introduce a hosepipe ban.
The hosepipe ban starts on Tuesday 18 August at 00:01hrs. From this point customers must not use a hosepipe for activities covered by the restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Is it against the law to break a hosepipe ban?
Yes. It’s a legal restriction on water use set out in the Water Industry Act.
Water companies can legally enforce these rules during periods of drought or severe water shortage to protect public water supplies.
Breaking the ban is a criminal offence that can carry a fine of up to £1,000.
How long will the hosepipe ban last?
At this time, we can’t confirm when restrictions will be lifted.
We are closely monitoring customer demand alongside reservoir levels, river flows and groundwater levels.
The ban will need to remain in place until demand and resources have stabilised.
Are there any exemptions for customers with additional needs?
If you have mobility, medical, medical equipment or other specific needs, we recognise you may not be able to make reasonable adjustments to some of your water using habits. We exempt customers with the following needs and conditions from the hosepipe ban:
- physical impairments, restricted hand movement and temporary post-hospital recovery situations
- requirements for stairlifts, hoists or electric beds
- respiratory conditions that require the use of a ventilator, oxygen concentrator or oxygen
- other chronic or serious illnesses such as Parkinsons, MS, MND, cancer, stroke, organ failure or severe arthritis.
If you’re not already on our register and have any of these conditions, you can apply for Priority Services.