Thousands of households in the UK are facing a hosepipe ban due to the ongoing hot weather conditions this summer. South West Water (SWW) has announced the enforcement of water usage restrictions in several areas of Devon starting from 12pm on Tuesday, July 14.
Residents in the affected regions are advised to comply with the restrictions immediately, which include refraining from using hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, filling pools, and washing cars, patios, or boats.
The areas affected by the ban include Tiverton, Cullompton, Bampton, Honiton, South Molton, Dunkeswell, Axminster, and Lyme Regis.
SWW’s decision to impose the ban follows two heatwaves in the UK that brought unprecedented high temperatures to the South West. The water company has reported a significant surge in demand, approximately 5.4 million liters daily, particularly in the mentioned locations, despite operating treatment facilities continuously for three weeks.
David Harris, the Managing Director for Water Services at South West Water, stated that the extreme heat experienced in recent weeks has led to a surge in water demand in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon. The company is working tirelessly to maintain water supply levels in the area.
SWW has deployed additional tankers to transport water to the region, doubled leak detection teams, and repair crews to prevent water loss of 3.5 million liters per day. Furthermore, water is being redirected from less affected neighboring areas to alleviate the impact of the heatwave.
The company reassures customers that they are monitoring demand levels closely and will lift restrictions once the water supply network stabilizes.