BREAKING: Dry weather forces new hosepipe restrictions across Cornwall

Temporary hosepipe restrictions will come into force across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly from 00.01am tomorrow (Saturday, August 8), South West Water has announced.

The company confirmed today (Friday, August 8) that it is introducing the measures as prolonged dry weather, significantly below‑average rainfall and continued high demand place growing pressure on the region’s water resources. Customers are being asked to begin following the restrictions immediately to help protect supplies during ongoing drought conditions.

The rules mean people should not use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios or boats, or filling swimming and paddling pools. Water can still be used as normal for drinking, cooking, washing and flushing toilets.

Reports across the community showed a patchwork of outages and low pressure on Sunday evening and into the early hours of Monday morning. In Penhale Jakes, Ashton, residents said taps were “just a trickle”, while in Praa Sands water returned this morning. Supplies have also come back on in Trescowe Common, though some households in Townshend reported being without water overnight.

South West Water said the decision follows one of the driest periods in recent years, with rainfall across the South West remaining well below seasonal averages. The Environment Agency has declared half of England, including the South West, in drought. The Met Office recently announced that England and Wales have provisionally recorded their driest July on record, with southern England experiencing its driest month since records began in 1836.

Despite the challenging conditions, the company said it has been working “around the clock” to maintain supplies — maximising water treatment works production, moving water around the network, increasing leak detection and repairs, and deploying additional resources.

Sam Bottomley, South West Water, said: “After an extended period of exceptionally low rainfall, combined with sustained high demand during the warmer weather, our region's rivers and water resources are under significant pressure.

"Introducing a hosepipe ban is never a decision we take lightly, and we fully appreciate the inconvenience it will cause. However, these temporary restrictions are an important step in helping to protect our rivers and essential water supplies for homes, businesses and critical services across the region.”

He added that “every litre saved now” will help protect water resources while drought conditions continue.

South West Water is asking customers, businesses and visitors to take shorter showers, turn off taps while brushing teeth and only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.

The company will continue to monitor drought conditions and provide regular updates. Full details of the restrictions, exceptions and water‑saving advice can be found at: www.southwestwater.co.uk/environment/water-resources/hosepipe-ban