Hosepipe ban for Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Southern Water says we're experiencing one of the driest years on record
A hosepipe ban has been announced for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the first in 10 years.
The temporary restriction comes into force a week today - Friday 5 August 2022.
Southern Water says we're experiencing one of the driest years on record.
In a statement on its website, the company said:
"We’re asking you to reduce your water use because we need to urgently reduce the demand on the River Test and River Itchen, which is where some of your fresh water supply comes from."
"For the past eight months we’ve had very little rain – way below average. In fact, we’re experiencing one of the driest years on record (for the past 131 years)."
"River flows are now approximately 25% lower than they should be at this time of year, so we're asking you to limit your use to reduce the risk of further restrictions and disruption to water supplies, but more importantly to protect our local rivers."
Temporary Use Ban in your area
Southern Water added:
"We’ve introduced a Temporary Use Ban from 5 August 2022 in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight for everyone who has their water supplied by us."
"At the same time, we have applied to the Environment Agency for a Drought Permit on the River Test – a vital source of fresh water for South Hampshire – to allow us to continue to take water if levels continue to drop."
In simple terms, a Temporary Use Ban means we all have a responsibility to save water.
What you can't do
Watering a garden using a hosepipe
Cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe
Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe;
Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.