Wessex Water has announced its first hosepipe ban in 50 years, effective from Tuesday. The decision follows weeks of drought and record-breaking demand for water across its service area, which includes Bath and parts of Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire.
The company's chief executive, Ruth Jefferson, stated that demand has consistently remained over 400 million litres per day, which is 30% above average for this time of year. July 11 saw the highest ever demand, with 449 million litres used.
The ban prohibits the use of hosepipes for activities such as filling pools, watering plants, or washing cars. Exemptions apply for customers with health conditions or disabilities, some businesses, and for animal welfare reasons.
Wessex Water supplies approximately 1.4 million customers and joins eight other water companies nationwide that have introduced restrictions this summer. Thames Water has had a ban in place since July 23, and South West Water announced a ban on August 10.
Company bosses have assured customers that they are not at risk of running out of water for essential use, but emphasised the need to conserve water to minimise future risks. The challenge has been moving water through the network quickly enough to meet record demand, impacting underground storage reservoirs.