Hosepipe ban for Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Southern Water says we're experiencing one of the driest years on record

Author: Mike DraperPublished 29th Jul 2022

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.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.