By Emeka Blast 
Southern Water Enforces Hosepipe Ban Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Southern Water has announced a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), commonly known as a hosepipe ban, affecting nearly one million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, effective from 9:00 BST on Monday, July 21, 2025. The move comes in response to critically low water levels in the region’s vital chalk streams, the River Test and River Itchen, which are down 24% on normal flows due to England’s driest spring since 1976 and prolonged dry weather.
The ban prohibits the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling paddling pools, or cleaning outdoor surfaces, with fines of up to £1,000 for violations. Southern Water’s managing director, Tim McMahon, apologized to customers, stating, “We have to act now to protect our amazing chalk streams, one of the rarest habitats on Earth, and ensure enough water for customers and the environment.” The restrictions impact 791,000 customers in 336,000 properties in Hampshire and 144,000 customers in 75,000 properties on the Isle of Wight.
The Environment Agency declared the Solent and South Downs in ‘prolonged dry weather’ status, with June rainfall 20% below the long-term average and two heatwaves driving record water demand. Southern Water has been working to reduce leakage, fixing over 7,000 leaks in Hampshire last year, saving millions of liters, and is investing in major projects, including the UK’s first new reservoir in 40 years and a water recycling plant. However, McMahon emphasized that these efforts are “not enough,” urging customers to reduce water use.
Exemptions apply for customers on the Priority Services Register with medical or mobility needs, such as Blue Badge holders or those on the WaterSure tariff, though they are encouraged to minimize hosepipe use. Businesses can join the “You Save, We’ll Pay” scheme, offering a 10% reduction in water charges for cutting usage by 10% from August 1 to December 1, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
This is the first hosepipe ban in the region since 2012, following a similar restriction in 2022 that was lifted after three months. Other water companies, including Yorkshire Water, South East Water, and Thames Water, have also imposed bans, affecting 8.5 million people across England. The Met Office warns that climate change is making such weather extremes the “norm,” with more bans possible without significant rainfall.
