Restrictions beyond hosepipe ban 'unlikely', South West Water says
That will be introduced in Cornwall next week, after the declaration of a drought
Last updated 16th Aug 2022
Cornwall is being told that the hosepipe ban is as tough as water restrictions are likely to get for now.
For the first time in almost 30 years, South West Water will introduce a Temporary Use Ban in the Duchy next Tuesday.
It follows the declaration of a drought in our region after the UK's driest summer for 50 years.
We asked South West Water if further measures would be brought in, to which the response was that is "unlikely".
On Monday Lisa Gahan, the Director Responsible for Water Resources, said: "We've got more reservoirs in the region, we've got more interconnection, we've got way less leakage and we're all more water aware.
"So today we're talking about restrictions on hosepipes in the garden. That is all we're talking about and there's no suggestion at all that it will be anything more serious than that in the future".
The Temporary Use Ban (TUB) is the first in Cornwall in almost 30 years and the next step in the company's published drought plan.
It will come into effect from Tuesday 23rd August at 00.01.
What does the ban mean for households?
Activities covered by the hosepipe ban include using hosepipes to water gardens or clean cars.
Customers can still undertake the above activities without using a hosepipe if they use tap water from a bucket or watering can; or use water that is not sourced from taps such as grey water, rainwater from a water butt, or a private borehole, for example.
This temporary measure will not apply to blue badge holders or those on South West Water’s priority register. Businesses and farmers are unaffected.
The company said: "South West Water is sharing water saving tips and advice with customers to avoiding non-essential water usage, such as taking showers instead of baths or not running the tap when brushing teeth. Customers can also access free water saving devices such as shower regulators, leaky loo detectors and water butts".
How else can I save water at home?
More information about what the temporary measures means for households and support for priority services customers can be found on South West Water's website.
South West Water says it will keep everyone updated on when the TUB will be lifted.