Hosepipe ban comes into force for Wessex Water customers in Salisbury

Customers of Wessex Water in Salisbury will be subject to a hosepipe ban from midnight tonight as record-breaking heat and below-average rainfall put increasing pressure on local water supplies.

The restrictions will come into force at 00:01 on Tuesday 18 August, with customers required to stop using hosepipes for activities covered by the ban.

Wessex Water said the decision follows a period of exceptionally hot weather, record levels of water demand and a lack of significant rainfall.

The company said its water supply network is under increasing pressure, with further hot weather forecast and no significant rain expected in the immediate future.

Wessex Water said it had therefore made the difficult decision to introduce the temporary restrictions to help protect water supplies.

The hosepipe ban is believed to be the first imposed by Wessex Water in the Salisbury area since 1976, making it an unusual step for local residents.

Under the restrictions, customers will not be able to use a hosepipe for a number of activities covered by the ban.

There are, however, specific exemptions and exceptions for certain circumstances, meaning customers should check the official restrictions before using a hosepipe.

Wessex Water is urging customers to help conserve water while the restrictions remain in place and to follow the rules to protect supplies during the ongoing period of extreme weather.

The company said the combination of record-breaking heat, high demand and limited rainfall had created challenging conditions for the water network.

The ban comes as parts of the UK continue to experience unusually hot and dry weather, with authorities also warning about increased risks from wildfires and other impacts of prolonged heat.

Residents in Salisbury and surrounding areas affected by the restrictions are advised to check the latest guidance from Wessex Water to understand exactly what activities are prohibited and which exemptions apply.