A hosepipe ban will begin across the Wessex Water region, including parts of BCP and Dorset, just after midnight tonight, for the first time in 50 years.
The temporary restriction follows record breaking heatwaves, lower than average rainfall and unusually high summer demand, with the company saying its supply network is facing increasing pressure and no significant rain is forecast.
Customers must not use hosepipes to water gardens or plants, clean private vehicles, domestic walls or windows, fill swimming or paddling pools, maintain fountains, or wash paths, patios and other artificial outdoor surfaces.
Everyday essential household use, including showering and washing, is not affected and can continue as normal, while residents can still use watering cans, water from water butts and buckets filled for washing cars.
Exemptions cover people with physical impairments, restricted hand movement, temporary post hospital needs, certain equipment requirements and serious or chronic conditions including Parkinsons, MS, MND, cancer, stroke, organ failure and severe arthritis.
Wessex Water covers postcodes BH15, BH16, BH19 and BH20, whilst Bournemouth Water, which has not announced any plans for a ban, covers BH1 to BH14, BH17 and BH18, BH21 to BH25, and BH31.
See more at WessexWater.co.uk.
