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South West Water hosepipe ban: Questions and answers on restrictions and drought
Overview
A hosepipe ban is in force across Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and parts of Dorset and Somerset following prolonged hot and dry weather and exceptionally low reservoir levels. South West Water implemented the restrictions on 8 August due to high demand and dry conditions, with no definitive end date set for the ban.
Key points
- A hosepipe ban is active across Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and parts of Dorset and Somerset.
- Reservoirs such as Wimbleball, Roadford, Burrator, Colliford, and Stithians have experienced very low water capacity levels.
- The restrictions prohibit non-essential water uses such as watering gardens, washing cars or patios, and filling pools or domestic ponds.
- Breaking the hosepipe ban rules can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
- Automatic exceptions to the ban include commercial businesses, Blue Badge holders, and watering allotments where plants are grown for food.
- South West Water stated there is no exact timeframe for lifting the ban, which will remain until water resources recover sufficiently.