Southern Water has announced a hosepipe ban affecting nearly one million people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, citing a prolonged spell of dry weather and record heat as the main reasons for the restriction. The ban, also known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), is set to take effect from 9 am on Monday and comes after one of the driest periods experienced in the region for over a century. Local river flows, vital for the region's water supply, have dropped by approximately 25%, creating additional pressure on limited resources and prompting the company to act decisively in order to protect both water availability and the natural environment.

The ban specifically prohibits residents from using hosepipes to water gardens, clean cars, fill ornamental ponds or swimming pools, or clean private leisure boats. Additional restricted activities include cleaning patios, paths, and artificial outdoor surfaces utilizing hoses. Southern Water emphasized that there is "no direct risk to customer water supply" at present, but the combination of decreased rainfall and soaring temperatures has led to increased consumption, making restrictions unavoidable to ensure continued service through the dry spell. Households found violating the ban could face fines of up to £1,000 and possible prosecution.

Exemptions to the ban apply primarily to commercial businesses that rely on hosepipe use for the functioning of their services, such as professional gardeners and car washes. However, even businesses have been encouraged to act responsibly and minimize non-essential water use where possible. Southern Water is actively monitoring the impact of the drought and is working with the Environment Agency, having also sought a drought permit for the River Test as a precaution if conditions worsen. The company has asked its customers to cooperate fully by only using the water they need and considering further steps like taking shorter showers to help conserve the supply.

While it has not specified a definitive end date, Southern Water anticipates the ban could last for around three weeks, depending on rainfall and improvement in river levels. Director of risk and compliance Alison Hoyle expressed hope for "substantial rain," emphasizing that the measures are being taken not lightly, but out of necessity to protect the environment and ensure ongoing water supply. The situation has brought renewed attention to the challenges posed by climate change, with rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns making dry summers and water shortages more frequent across the UK.