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South West Water seeks non-essential water ban from government

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 6:33 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

South West Water is applying to the UK government for a Non-Essential Use Ban on water.
Director Sam Bottomley said the August hosepipe ban is a last-resort measure.
He warned reservoirs have not recovered after the hottest summer on record.
Wimbleball reservoir in Somerset fell to about 18% of capacity, under 20% full.
Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were officially declared in drought in July.

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Story summary

South West Water is applying to the UK government for a Non-Essential Use Ban on water.
Director Sam Bottomley said the August hosepipe ban is a last-resort measure.
He warned reservoirs have not recovered after the hottest summer on record.
Wimbleball reservoir in Somerset fell to about 18% of capacity, under 20% full.
Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were officially declared in drought in July.