Full Breakdown
Wessex Water Issues First Hosepipe Ban in 50 Years Amid Nationwide Drought Restrictions
8/20/2026, 11:37:19 AM
Wessex Water’s New Ban
Effective 18 August, Wessex Water will enforce a hosepipe ban for its 1.4 million customers in Bath, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. The ban follows a record-breaking summer that saw July 2026 become the driest month on record for much of England and Wales.
Drought Conditions Driving Restrictions
The UK has experienced a second consecutive summer drought. Met Office data note that June 26 recorded the hottest June in England’s history at 38 °C in Lingwood, Norfolk. Central and south-east England endured the longest uninterrupted dry spell of the century, prompting the Environment Agency’s National Drought Group to warn that water use is outpacing natural replenishment.
Scope of Current Bans Across England and Wales
Wessex Water joins nine other suppliers that have already imposed bans:
- South East Water began a temporary ban in Kent on 3 July, later extending it region-wide.
- Southern Water started a ban for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on 10 July.
- Anglian Water, serving the East of England, introduced a ban on 11 July.
- Affinity Water applied a ban on 11 July across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey.
- Welsh Water enforced a ban for around 33 000 customers in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire on 19 July.
In total, the restrictions affect roughly 1.4 million people, with fines of up to £1,000 for non-compliance.
Official Statements & Responses
Ruth Jefferson, chief executive of Wessex Water, said the decision “was not taken lightly” and expressed regret for the inconvenience to customers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This isn't a decision we've made lightly and we're sorry for the inconvenience it will cause,” — the company — the company
