Southern Water bans hosepipe use in Hampshire amid record dry weather

Southern Water announced that a temporary hosepipe ban will take effect at 00:01 GMT on Friday 10 July in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The measure follows the warmest spring on record and several weeks of exceptionally dry weather, which have left the River Test – a major source of drinking water for the region – at about 25 % below normal levels.

Customers are prohibited from using hosepipes for garden watering, filling paddling pools, or washing cars; a typical hosepipe can consume up to 1,000 litres per hour. The company urges residents to start reducing water use immediately. Exemptions apply to Priority Services Register and WaterSure customers with mobility or health needs.

Southern Water highlighted its recent leak‑reduction achievements, fixing 2,840 leaks since January and saving roughly 27 million litres of water daily. Ongoing efforts include smart‑technology monitoring, drones, specially trained dogs, and investment in new reservoirs and water‑transfer pipelines to bolster long‑term supply.