Southern Water Enforces Hosepipe Ban on Isle of Wight and Hampshire

From 00:01 on 10 July 2026, Southern Water imposed a temporary hosepipe ban across 24 towns in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The ban prohibits household use of hosepipes for garden watering, vehicle cleaning, filling or maintaining swimming pools, ponds, fountains and similar domestic purposes. Violations can be prosecuted under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and may result in fines of up to £1,000.

The restriction follows a prolonged heatwave that has left the River Test and other local water sources around 25 % below their normal levels for this time of year. Exemptions apply for people on the Priority Services Register or Blue‑Badge holders, essential health‑ and safety‑related uses, professional cleaning services, and limited agricultural or construction activities.

Southern Water warned that the ban is intended to protect the region’s chalk streams and rare habitats while ensuring a reliable water supply for households during the drought conditions.