South West Water has announced hosepipe restrictions for its 1.8 million customers across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly, effective from midnight. This measure comes as the United Kingdom confronts a record-breaking drought, with forecasts predicting a sixth heatwave and temperatures potentially reaching 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
These new restrictions add to bans already in place by eight other water companies, affecting approximately 25 million customers. Homeowners and businesses are legally prohibited from using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing vehicles, cleaning patios and boats, or filling swimming and paddling pools. South West Water has urged all users to conserve water by taking shorter showers and ensuring washing machines and dishwashers are run with full loads, though water use for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and washing remains unaffected.
The company stated that prolonged dry weather and high demand are putting increasing pressure on regional water resources. Despite efforts to maximize water production and repair leaks, the temporary restrictions are deemed necessary to protect rivers and essential water supplies.
The drought, officially declared for all of Wales and over half of England last month, is showing little sign of abating. The Environment Agency indicated that several more areas could be moved to drought status next week as public water supplies remain under significant strain. Reservoir storage in England has fallen to 69%, nearly 12 percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year. Five reservoirs are currently at exceptionally low levels, including Blagdon and Wimbleball in Somerset, both around 50-54% full.
July was the driest on record for England and Wales, with many counties receiving virtually no rainfall. Both countries experienced their sunniest July ever, and it was the sunniest calendar month on record for England and Wales. This follows two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, which were linked to over 2,800 excess deaths, and two more in July that fueled drought conditions and wildfires.
Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to climb through the weekend and into next week, with the Met Office forecasting a widespread heatwave across much of England and Wales. Highs of 30-34C are possible in central and southern England and south-east Wales by Wednesday, with East Anglia and south-east England potentially reaching 36C on Thursday. Humidity levels are also predicted to increase, potentially making conditions more uncomfortable, especially overnight.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts for several regions, including the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London, effective from tomorrow. This year has already seen 33 days with temperatures exceeding 30C somewhere in the UK, a record likely to be broken next week as the prolonged period of hot weather continues.