Temporary use hosepipe ban starts today in some areas
New restrictions are being brought in ahead of the summer
Last updated 25th Apr 2023
A temporary hosepipe ban comes in force across more parts of Devon from today, as South West Water warn 'resources remain under pressure and as we go into the summer'.
South West Water had imposed restrictions to Cornwall and the north of the county following last summer's drought and say there are no plans for restrictions in Somerset at this time.
The latest restrictions are in place in all areas covered by the Roadford reservoir - which includes Plymouth, Barnstaple, Tavistock and Torbay.
In a statement the firm says: "Our water resources across the region remain under pressure and as we go into the summer period we have taken the necessary action to safeguard supplies and break the cycle of drought following lower than average levels of rainfall last year and throughout February.
"The temporary use ban now applies to customers in the Roadford supply area and came into on 25 April 2023. This is in addition to the existing hosepipe ban that is already in place for Cornwall and a small part of North Devon.
You can see the latest local reservoir levels here
"Activities covered by the hosepipe ban include using hosepipes to water gardens or clean cars.
"The hosepipe ban is hoped to be lifted on 1 December or sooner if the area receives drought breaking rainfall.
"Reservoir levels fell to their lowest recorded level last year and storage at Roadford Lake is lower than it was at the same time last year.
"We are grateful to all our customers and communities for their efforts in reducing daily water usage over the drought period.
"We must ask you to keep saving water where you can, so that our water resources can recover sufficiently for the spring and summer ahead."
It comes as the latest Met Office forecast is that 'parts of the country are set to face heavy rain and colder than average temperatures during the bank holiday weekend.
The Met Office says some areas of Wales and southern England could get hail and thunder. There could even be some snow in parts of Wales and Scotland.
Further away, forecasters in Spain say the country could experience its hottest ever April day this week - as a long drought continues. Temperatures may reach up to 40 degrees - which are conditions not usually experienced until July.
Experts are worried about more summer wildfires - while the farming industry's warned of smaller harvests this year.