Introduction of hosepipe restrictions

We are introducing temporary restrictions on hosepipe use across the Bristol Water supply area from 00.01am on Thursday 27 August. This is to protect water resources in the River Severn, following a drought order by the Environment Agency.

Please help safeguard essential water supplies for people and protect the health of river systems and wildlife habitats during the current drought conditions.

You must not use hosepipes for non-essential purposes while the ban is in place.

This includes using a hosepipe to: 

• Water your garden

• Wash your car

• Fill a paddling pool, swimming pool or hot tub

• Clean your patio or driveway

• Clean walls and windows

Water can still be used as normal for drinking, flushing toilets, washing and cooking. 

You can still carry out many of your usual activities without a hosepipe, for example by using a watering can to water plants or using a bucket and sponge to wash your car.

Some people and some types of water use are exempt from the hosepipe ban, meaning hosepipes can still be used in those cases.

The hosepipe ban does not apply if:  

• You are on our Priority Services Register and unable to make reasonable adjustments due to a health condition or disability

• You are on our WaterSure Plus tariff

• You are a Blue Badge holder

• You need to protect human health and safety

• You need the water for animal welfare, including pets, livestock and fish.

If one of these exceptions applies to you, we’d still ask you to be careful with water wherever possible, to help safeguard essential supplies.

General hosepipe ban FAQs Household customer FAQs Business customer FAQs Exceptions

During periods of dry weather, we take over half of our water from river sources, including the River Severn via the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, to help manage reservoir levels.

This year's drought conditions have resulted in a significant impact to the River Severn, one of our major sources, leading to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales applying for a drought order to protect this essential water source.

As a result, we need to act responsibly and we are working closely with both agencies to support this vital natural water environment.

Alongside this, the UK has experienced its fifth heatwave of the year and one of the driest periods in recent years, which led to the Environment Agency declaring over 70% of England, including Bristol, in drought.

More recently, the Met Office has warned of the developing risks from El Niño - a powerful natural climate phenomenon which pushes up global temperatures and could increase the risks of extreme weather.

The hosepipe ban is necessary to ensure we can continue to supply enough water to meet people's essential needs, as well as minimising the impact on the natural environment.

Find out where your water comes from

Our teams have been working hard to maintain reliable water supplies for customers across the region.

This includes:

• Maximising water treatment works production
• Moving water around the network to where it’s needed most
• Increasing leak detection and repairs.

We only impose a hosepipe ban when absolutely necessary as we recognise the impact it has on customers. We will lift the restrictions as soon as we can.

Every litre saved now will help protect our water resources while drought conditions continue. By making small changes to how we use water, our customers can make a real difference.

Water saving tips