Hosepipe ban comes into force for Wessex Water customers across Dorset

Households across Dorset supplied by Wessex Water will face a hosepipe ban from Tuesday, as exceptionally high demand continues to put pressure on water supplies.

The temporary restriction will come into force at 00:01 on Tuesday 18 August.

It means customers will not be able to use hosepipes connected to the mains for activities including watering gardens, washing vehicles, filling swimming and paddling pools, and cleaning patios, driveways, walls and windows.

Garden sprinklers and irrigation systems connected to the mains are also covered by the restrictions, alongside pressure washers and children’s water toys connected to a hosepipe.

People will still be able to water their gardens using a watering can, bucket or other manual methods.

Wessex Water says it is the first time in 50 years that customers in its region have been asked to restrict their water use in this way.

The company said the temporary measure was needed because of the ongoing “extreme drought” and unusually high demand following hot and dry conditions.

Wessex Water has stressed that customers do not need to worry about essential supplies, saying:

“We are not running out of water for essential use.”

However, the company said moving enough water around its network was becoming challenging, particularly during busy periods of the day.

Some customers and activities will be exempt from the restrictions.

Wessex Water is advising customers to check whether they qualify for an exemption before using a hosepipe once the restrictions come into force.

Find out more about exemptions here.