The Environment Agency declared the Solent and South Downs in "prolonged dry weather" on 21 July 2025, Southern Water said. The same day, the water company announced a Temporary Use Ban, commonly known as a hosepipe ban, for its household customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight1.
Southern Water said the ban follows the driest spring in over 100 years and the warmest June on record, and that similar moves had already been made by other English water companies. It said the Test and Itchen chalk streams supply most of its water in the area but are at critically low levels, down 24 per cent on normal flows for this time of year. The company said a hosepipe uses 1,000 litres of water an hour, which it described as one person's weekly water use in 60 minutes1.
The ban is legally enforceable from 9am on Monday 21 July 2025, but the company asked households to stop using hosepipes immediately to avoid a spike in demand. It asked customers not to use hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, filling paddling pools or washing cars, and said simple swaps such as a watering can or bucket would bring usage down quickly. Exemptions apply, including for Priority Services Register and WaterSure customers with mobility or health needs, such as Blue Badge holders. A postcode checker, a list of exemptions and water saving tips are published on the company's website1.
"We're sorry we're taking this step, but as other water companies have already done, we have to respond to the widespread and prolonged dry weather affecting our region."
Southern Water said it reduced leakage by almost 20 per cent in the last year, fixing more than 7,000 leaks in Hampshire alone. It said it is working on new water sources for Hampshire to reduce reliance on the Test and Itchen, including what it describes as the UK's first new reservoir in 40 years, the UK's first water recycling plant, and new water transfer projects with neighbouring water companies. It also said a "You Save We'll Pay" incentive scheme for businesses is due to launch in August1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Declaration | Solent and South Downs in "prolonged dry weather", by the Environment Agency, 21 July 20251 |
| Restriction | Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban), Southern Water1 |
| Area | Hampshire and the Isle of Wight1 |
| Legally enforceable from | 9am, Monday 21 July 20251 |
| River flows | Test and Itchen chalk streams down 24% on normal flows for the time of year1 |
| Exemptions | Priority Services Register and WaterSure customers with mobility or health needs, such as Blue Badge holders1 |
Why it matters for households
Households in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are affected from 21 July 2025, when the ban becomes legally enforceable. Southern Water asked customers to stop using hosepipes straight away rather than wait for that date, saying a spike in demand now could put water supplies at risk1. The company's stated reasons are protecting the chalk streams and making sure there is enough water through the summer. Households with mobility or health needs who are on the Priority Services Register or are WaterSure customers, including Blue Badge holders, are among those exempt1. How drought stages are declared in England, and what each stage means, is set out in the guide to how drought is declared in England; practical steps for dry spells are covered in Heatwaves and Drought: A Household Guide and the heatwaves and drought hub. The rules on temporary restrictions are explained in Hosepipe Bans: How Temporary Use Bans Work, with a water shortage and hosepipe ban checklist for households. Guidance on how much water to drink in hot weather and on barbecues and wildfire risk in dry weather is also relevant while conditions stay dry.
What happens next
The ban is legally enforceable from 9am on Monday 21 July 20251. Southern Water said its "You Save We'll Pay" incentive scheme for businesses is due to launch in August1. No end date for the restriction has been reported.
Drought Stages in England
Barbecues and Wildfire Risk
