From Thames Water to South West Water, full list of hosepipe bans in the UK – and if there’s one in your area

MILLIONS of Brits are facing water restrictions this weekend as another hosepipe ban comes into force. Half of England is in drought conditions following a prolonged spell of dry, hot weather, and many water companies have now taken measures in response. Under a hosepipe ban, you can still carry out most domestic tasks if you use tap water from a bucket or watering can Credit: PA But you cannot use a hosepipe, sprinkler, or pressure washer Credit: PA From Saturday August 8, South West Water is introducing a hosepipe ban that will impact around 1.8million people. It means all domestic customers across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly will be banned from using a hose. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! South West Water already had a ban in place for Mid and East Devon, but this new measure will see almost the entire South West region face restrictions from 12.01am on Saturday. Nine water companies have now introduced bans across the UK, affecting over 23million customers in total – here’s everything you need to know. Which suppliers have put hosepipe bans in place? If you live in any of the following regions, you are currently subject to a hosepipe ban: Affinity Water: The Central region, covering Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London and Essex. Anglian Water: The whole supply region. Cambridge Water: The whole supply region. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water: Mid and South Ceredigion, North Pembrokeshire, and North Carmarthenshire. Essex and Suffolk Water: All household customers across the supply area. South East Water: Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire. South West Water: Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly (from Saturday August 8). Mid and East Devon are already under restrictions. Southern Water: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Thames Water: The entire supply area, including Greater London, the Thames Valley, Surrey, Gloucestershire, and North Wiltshire. Is there a hosepipe ban in my area? If you’re unsure who your water supplier is, or whether your specific street is included in the ban, the easiest way to check is online. Visit your water supplier’s website and enter your postcode into their designated hosepipe ban checker to find out if a hosepipe ban applies to your home. Most read in The Sun What are the rules of a hosepipe ban? Under a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), you cannot use a hosepipe, sprinkler, or pressure washer for a variety of domestic tasks. This includes: Watering your garden, plants, or lawn. Cleaning your car, patio, or driveway. Filling up a paddling pool, swimming pool, or hot tub. Cleaning external walls or windows. You can still carry out most of these activities if you use tap water from a bucket or watering can. You can also use water not sourced from the mains, such as grey water (leftover bath or sink water) or rainwater collected in a water butt. Anyone caught breaking these temporary rules can face a hefty £1,000 fine, unless they have an approved exemption or loophole in place. Who is exempt? Most water companies offer exemptions for some vulnerable customers. Those on the Priority Services Register, disabled people, and Blue Badge holders who may struggle to carry heavy buckets or watering cans are generally permitted to continue using a hose for essential tasks. To check if you’re exempt from hosepipe ban restrictions, visit your water supplier’s website to view their exemption criteria or contact their customer service team. Why are bans being introduced? Half of England and the entirety of Wales are currently under official drought conditions. Sam Bottomley of South West Water explained that “exceptionally low rainfall” and “high demand during warmer weather” had provoked the decision to roll out the new restrictions. He said: “Introducing a hosepipe ban is never a decision we take lightly, and we fully appreciate the inconvenience it will cause. “However, these temporary restrictions are an important step in helping to protect our rivers and essential water supplies for homes, businesses and critical services across the region.” Customers are also being urged to use less water by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when brushing their teeth, and ensuring washing machines and dishwashers are only run on full loads. Comment now