Temporary Use Ban for South West Water

Due to prolonged dry conditions and recent heatwaves, South West Water has implemented a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), also known as a hosepipe ban, for Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset and the Isles of Scilly. The ban is in effect as of Saturday, 8 August 2026. 

10 August 2026

This decision follows one of the driest periods in recent years, with rainfall across the South West remaining well below seasonal averages over many months. Most recently, the Met Office has announced that England and Wales have provisionally recorded their driest July on record, with Southern England seeing its driest month ever recorded.

The Environment Agency has also recently declared half of England, including the South West, in official drought.

These restrictions will help make sure there's enough water for homes, businesses and essential services, while protecting our local rivers and the environment.  

While these restrictions mainly apply to household water use, some businesses will be affected.  

Business water usage accounts for nearly a third of all water usage in England, and businesses are being asked to reduce consumption wherever possible to help manage the situation and avoid further restrictions.   

Find out more  

You can find more about the ban on the South West Water FAQ page here.

We’re here to help  

For a range of ways to help your business be more water efficient, please click here. Alternatively, if you have any questions about the hosepipe ban in your area, please contact South West Water directly to find out more.

If you’d like to speak to one of our friendly advisers, please get in touch.

10 August 2026