New hosepipe ban is announced for first time in over 30 years for 1.2million Brits – and it’s coming into force TOMORROW

A NEW hosepipe ban is being introduced for over a million Brits for the first time in 36 years. This is the tenth supplier in England and Wales to introduce restrictions as nearly three-quarters of Brits face drought conditions. Another hosepipe ban is set to come into force for over a million Brits tomorrow Credit: Alamy Bristol Water has confirmed that a temporary hosepipe ban will come into force tomorrow to protect the River Severn’s water resources as a result of drought. This is the first hosepipe ban the supplier has introduced because of drought since 1975 and generally since 1990, with around 1.2million Brits set to be affected. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Richard Stanbrook, director for drinking water services at Bristol Water, said: “Introducing a hosepipe ban is never a decision we take lightly, and we fully appreciate the inconvenience it will cause.” Large parts of the South West of England will be affected, with the ban covering Bristol, Weston Super Mare, Portishead, Glastonbury and other locations. Bristol Water has confirmed that the restrictions will be enforced in its supply area from 0.01am on Thursday, August 27. Under a temporary use ban, customers cannot use a hosepipe, sprinkler, or pressure washer for various activities, such as watering plants or filling up hot tubs. Areas included Bristol city centre, Glastonbury and Weston Super Mare are all impacted by the restrictions Credit: Bristol Water Anyone caught breaking the rules can face a £1,000 fine, unless an approved exemption or loophole is in place. The supplier joins around half of the UK’s water companies have introduced hosepipe bans throughout the summer, including Thames Water, Wessex Water and Southern Water. Most read in The Sun This follows a summer of prolonged dry conditions and five heatwaves, with drought declared across 70 per cent of England and the entirety of Wales, with Bristol and the South West affected. During this period, Bristol Water says that half of its water has come from river sources, resulting in a significant impact on the River Severn’s resources. Wimbleball reservoir, also in the South West, currently has an exceptionally low water supply Credit: BNPS The South West of England currently has the lowest reservoir capacity in the entire country, according to Defra, as resources continue to be stretched. Wimbleball reservoir, about an hour’s drive south of Bristol Water’s supply area, is considered to have exceptionally low water levels for this time of year. If your water supplier is affected, it is important to check their website to find out if your postcode has been impacted by temporary use bans. Blue Badge holders, and those on the Priority Services Register, are exempt from the rules as well as those who require the use of a hose for a medical purpose. Comment now