Hosepipe ban FAQs

A hosepipe ban means you must not use a hosepipe for non-essential water use, including:  

• watering gardens, including using a sprinkler or irrigation system  

• filling paddling pools, hot tubs, swimming pools, ponds or fountains  

• washing cars, patios, driveways or windows with a hosepipe.   

However, there are some exceptions to the ban, for example where water is being used by a business or where customers are on our Priority Services Register. Even if you are exempt from the ban, we’d ask you to be careful with water to help safeguard supplies.  

The hosepipe ban applies to all of our household customers across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset and the Isles of Scilly.

We have seen a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, with record temperatures and rainfall well below seasonal averages over many months.

Along with continuous high demand for water this has caused increasing pressure on rivers and available water resources.

The Environment Agency has declared half of England, including the South West, in drought. Most recently, the Met Office has announced that England and Wales have provisionally recorded their driest July on record, with Southern England seeing its driest month ever recorded, in a series dating back to 1836.

There are many things we consider when putting in a hosepipe ban. We review our current levels of water resource and look at forecast resource levels including the impact of demand. We also consider the EA drought level status.

You can find out more about our reservoir levels on our dedicated webpage: www.southwestwater.co.uk/environment/water-resources/reservoir-levels

Our teams have been working around the clock to maintain reliable water supplies for customers across the region. This includes: 

• Maximising water treatment works production 

• Moving water around the network to where it is needed most 

• Increasing leak detection and repairs 

• Deploying additional resources to protect supplies. 

We understand customers want to know when restrictions will end, but it's not possible to provide an exact timeframe.

The ban will remain in effect until water resources have recovered sufficiently and we're confident supplies are back to normal. We'll keep customers updated throughout and will lift the restrictions as soon as conditions allow.

You can:

• Use water for things like drinking, cooking, showering and washing your clothes
• Use a watering can or bucket
• Wash your car at a commercial car wash

We’ll keep customers updated through our website, social media, and direct communications where appropriate. We’ll provide regular updates on the situation, any changes to restrictions, and practical advice on how customers can save water.

No, the hosepipe ban does not entitle customers to a reduction in their water bill. However, if you use less water during this period, you may see a lower bill if your property is metered.