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Hosepipe Ban 8 August 2026

Latest News from South West Water

Published: 8 August 2026

Hosepipe ban

South West Water is introducing temporary restrictions on hosepipe use that will come into effect for all customers across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset and the Isles of Scilly from 00.01 on Saturday 8 August. This follows one of the driest periods in recent years, with rainfall across the South West remaining well below seasonal averages over many months, which has led to the Environment Agency declaring half of England, including the South West, in drought.

Under the new restrictions, people should not use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios and boats, hot tubs or filling swimming and paddling pools. Water can still be used as normal for drinking, hygiene, washing and cooking. There is a dedicated area on South West Water’s website that provides full details of the temporary restrictions, exceptions and advice on saving water: www.southwestwater.co.uk/hosepipe-ban

Please help spread the word to people in your area. Every litre saved will help protect our water resources while drought conditions continue. Even small changes to how we use water can make a real difference, and all of us can play our part to help lift these temporary restrictions as soon as possible.

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