# Water shortages and restrictions in the United Kingdom > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-shortages-and-restrictions-in-the-united-kingdom > Updated: 2026-08-13T05:01:51.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Water shortages and drought conditions have prompted various restrictions across parts of the United Kingdom. In the South West, a temporary hosepipe ban took effect on August 8, affecting customers in Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and parts of Dorset and Somerset. This ban prohibits non-essential uses such as watering gardens or washing cars. During this period, South West Water committed to repairing a leak at Race Hill that had caused months of spillage. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Southern Water has applied for a rare drought order to protect approximately 165,000 people. If approved by the Environment Secretary, this would escalate existing restrictions into a ‘non-essential use ban’ (NEUB), prohibiting activities like cleaning windows and filling non-domestic pools. The request follows high demand exceeding 660 million litres per day and a significant drop in flows in the River Test, a critical chalk stream. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: South West Water to repair Race Hill leak amid regional hosepipe ban South West Water will repair a long-standing leak at Race Hill amid a drought-induced hosepipe ban affecting Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-west-water-to-repair-race-hill-leak-amid-regional-hosepipe-ban ### 2026-08-12: Southern Water seeks rare drought order for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Southern Water has requested a rare drought order for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to prevent water shortages for 165,000 people, potentially banning car washing and pool filling. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-water-seeks-rare-drought-order-for-hampshire-and-isle-of-wight --- Cite as: Water shortages and restrictions in the United Kingdom. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-shortages-and-restrictions-in-the-united-kingdom