Wessex Water has issued an update regarding the ongoing hosepipe ban following recent rainfall across Somerset. The ban was implemented in August, marking the first such restriction in 50 years, and affects customers in Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire.
The South West endured a hot summer characterised by five distinct heatwaves and consistently high temperatures, placing substantial pressure on the water supply network. In response, the hosepipe ban was introduced to manage demand and protect vital water resources.
While the recent rainfall brought some relief and cooler temperatures to the area, Wessex Water has stated that this does not fully compensate for the extended dry period experienced earlier in the season. Consequently, the hosepipe ban remains necessary.
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A spokesperson for Wessex Water explained, “The hosepipe ban is essential to safeguard water supplies and the environment over the long term. We thank our customers for their continued efforts to conserve water. The ban will remain in effect until reservoir, groundwater, and river flow levels have stabilised. We will keep customers updated as the situation develops.”
In a recent email to customers, Wessex Water expressed gratitude for the significant reduction in daily water usage since the restrictions began. This decrease is a positive development following record-breaking demand sustained over 48 consecutive days.
The communication emphasised that after one of the driest summers ever recorded in the South West, customer efforts are helping to protect water supplies, preserve the environment, and ensure sufficient water availability for essential domestic and business use.
Despite intermittent rainfall and some warm spells throughout August, reservoir and groundwater levels remain below average for this time of year. Wessex Water continues to monitor the supply network closely, including reservoir levels, groundwater, and river flows, as well as intensifying efforts to detect and repair leaks.
The hosepipe ban restricts customers’ use of hosepipes, influencing daily water usage habits. Other regional water suppliers, such as South West Water, Thames Water, and Bristol Water, have also implemented hosepipe bans affecting parts of the South West.
A number of exemptions apply to the hosepipe ban, permitting hosepipe use under certain conditions. For detailed information on permitted uses, customers are advised to consult the official guidelines provided by Wessex Water.