South West Water is bringing a Temporary Use Ban into force across its entire supply area at 00:01 on Saturday 8 August 2026.
It supersedes the company's earlier restriction, which covered named areas of Mid and East Devon only. The new ban covers all of Devon and Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and parts of Dorset and Somerset. Cornwall, Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay, which were outside the earlier ban, are now included.
The company points to months of well below average rainfall, repeated hot spells and stubbornly high demand, after the Environment Agency declared the South West in drought. Customers are asked to start following the restrictions from the start date.
A hosepipe ban stops using a hosepipe for things like watering the garden, washing the car, cleaning patios and filling paddling pools. A watering can, a bucket and collected rainwater are never restricted, and the maximum fine for a breach is 1,000 pounds, imposed by a magistrates' court.
If you are a South West Water customer anywhere in Devon or Cornwall, the position changes on 8 August. Check your postcode for the status at your address.