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Southern Water Imposes Hosepipe Ban in Hampshire and Isle of Wight; Thames Water Follows on July 22

The ban responds to critically low river flows with reservoir stocks at half capacity after the driest spring in almost 50 years, remaining in force until supplies recover under statutory powers.

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Overview

  • Southern Water’s restriction began at 9 am on July 21 across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, prohibiting hosepipe use for watering gardens, cleaning vehicles and filling pools with fines of up to £1,000.
  • Thames Water will introduce a temporary usage ban from July 22 for households in specified postcodes across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and parts of Berkshire.
  • Water firms have said that recent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are unlikely to restore reservoir and aquifer levels sufficiently to lift the bans.
  • Statutory exemptions allow the use of watering cans, approved irrigation systems and hosepipes for vulnerable customers, fish pond top-ups, newly laid turf and other essential purposes.
  • Local officials and advocacy groups have criticised persistent leaks and underinvestment, urging a major funding boost to repair ageing infrastructure and bolster long-term water resilience.