Wessex Water hosepipe ban to stay in place for now

Wessex Water said while the weather has now cooled and there has been some rainfall, the ban would remain while reservoir, groundwater and river flow levels are closely monitored.

The company moved to thank thanked customers for their efforts to save water during a rare hosepipe ban in the region.

The company, which introduced supply usage restrictions for the first time in 50 years last month, says it has seen a 'significant reduction' in the amount of water being used per household.

It comes after one of the driest spells ever recorded in the area, with only 61 per cent of the expected rainfall in the last six months and a succession of heatwaves over the summer.

Water supply director Paul Saynor said: “While much of the country remains in drought, the hosepipe ban is helping to reduce demand, retain more water in rivers and streams and protect the environment.

“As we move into late summer and early autumn, it is normal for groundwater and reservoir levels to be lower than earlier in the year. We then rely on continued rainfall during the late autumn and winter to help replenish those resources.

“But we’ve seen a consistent and sustained reduction in the amount of water being used each day across our region since the hosepipe ban was introduced, following record levels of demand for 48 consecutive days.

“We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our customers for their cooperation in switching to watering cans, embracing their brown lawns and making other small but vital changes that will help ensure water supplies and the environment are protected in the long term.”

Wessex Water introduced a hosepipe ban on August 18 – the first since the famous summer of 1976 – after seeing exceptionally high demand on its network over a prolonged period.

The firm’s repair teams have been finding and fixing more leaks than ever across its supply area, while investment in a £230 million water supply grid allows water to be moved quickly around the network to areas of need. 

Wessex Water has also contacted larger business customers who are high water users to encourage them to avoid non-essential use. 

More information on the restrictions covered by the hosepipe ban and any exemptions can be found at wessexwater.co.uk/hosepipe-ban