Hosepipe Ban Comes Into Force Across Isle Of Wight As Households Face £1,000 Fine

The hosepipe ban is now in force across the Isle of Wight – here's what you can no longer do and who is exempt.

Isle of Wight households could face fines of up to £1,000 if they are caught using a hosepipe from today (Friday), as Southern Water's Temporary Use Ban (TUB) officially comes into force.

Southern Water confirmed last week that the restriction would be introduced across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight following the warmest spring on record and a prolonged spell of hot, dry weather.

From 00:01 today, households are prohibited from:

• Watering gardens or plants with a hosepipe

• Cleaning private motor vehicles or leisure boats using a hosepipe

• Filling or maintaining domestic swimming or paddling pools

• Using a hosepipe for domestic recreational purposes

• Filling or maintaining domestic ponds with a hosepipe

• Filling or maintaining ornamental fountains

• Cleaning walls, windows, paths, patios or other artificial outdoor surfaces at domestic properties using a hosepipe

  
  

Southern Water says water levels in the River Test, which supplies much of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's drinking water, have fallen to critically low levels and are around 25% below what would normally be expected for this time of year.

Tania Flasck, Director of Water Operations at Southern Water, said:

"We're working round the clock to keep taps flowing and protect the River Test, which is at a critically low level following recent hot weather.

"While the hosepipe ban comes into force on 10th July, we're asking customers to start reducing their water use now, to help protect one of the region's precious chalk streams and some of the rarest habitats on earth."

Anyone found breaching the restrictions could face prosecution under Section 36 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and may be fined up to £1,000.

Southern Water says exemptions apply to some customers, including those registered on the Priority Services Register or WaterSure scheme who have qualifying mobility or health needs, such as Blue Badge holders.