New hosepipe ban confirmed as millions of Britons told to stop using water immediately

A new hosepipe ban has been confirmed as millions of Britons have been told to stop using water immediately.

Southern Water informed around one million of its customers the restriction will prohibit them from filling paddling pools and watering their plants.

It will formally come into force a week from today, on July 10, for its residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

However, the residents have put in a plea to halt hosepipe usage immediately "to avoid putting the network under further pressure".

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Following the June heatwave with scorching temperatures, river levels across the south east have dropped lower than what is normal for this time of year.

Water bosses instructed customers to no longer water their plants, clean cars or fill children's paddling pools.

Buckers or watering cans should be used instead.

The water firm warned that, without "significant" rainfall from now until autumn, the ban could last up until September.

Last year, same company enforced a hosepipe ban with a ban taking place from mid-July until October 2025.

This morning, Southern Water said: "The warmest spring on record, followed by a record-breaking heatwave, has left river levels 25 per cent lower than expected for this time of year.

"The River Test has lost a third of its water within the last month, putting pressure on our ability to treat and supply your water.

"To protect local rivers, including the River Test and Itchen that supply most of your water, and to keep taps flowing we need to introduce restrictions."

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****Paul Vignaux, the executive director of the Test and Itchen Association, said: "We have no reservoirs here and all the water comes from the river or from the aquifer.

"And effectively, if you take water from our rivers and aquifers, you're taking water from nature."

South East Water confirmed it would also impose a hosepipe ban, which will take effect on Friday for its Kentish customers.

They made the move after Britain endured scorching temperatures last month, breaking heatwave records.

But the upcoming ban impacting millions of Britons could stir up some further disgruntlement with Britain's water companies, many of whom have argued they need to raise bills.

Southern Water attracted controversy when it recorded 269 pollution incidents two years ago.

Back in 2021, the firm was forced to swallow a £90million fine for dumping raw sewage into the sea.

More recently, South East Water, which covers households across Kent and Surrey, received furious backlash from Tunbridge Wells customers.

Some 24,000 homes were left without drinkable water for a fortnight, leaving families in the lurch.

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