Wessex Water applies for business hosepipe ban ahead of worsening drought

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 6 Nov, 18:55 · Archive

Wessex Water has applied for a ban on non-essential water use by businesses across its supply region.

Wessex Water has applied to the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for a ban on non-essential water use by businesses and other non-household customers. The application is being made as a precautionary measure following months of low rainfall and an exceptionally hot and dry summer, which led to increased demand for water across the region.

If approved and brought into force, the restrictions would be similar to the hosepipe ban already affecting households across Wessex Water's supply region. Businesses could be prevented from using hosepipes to water outdoor plants, fill or maintain swimming and paddling pools and ponds, or clean commercial premises and windows.

The proposed restrictions would also cover cleaning vehicles, boats, aircraft and railway rolling stock using a hosepipe, as well as operating mechanical vehicle washers. Using hosepipes to clean industrial plants or suppress dust would also be restricted, and operating a cistern in an unoccupied and closed building would be prohibited.

There would be exemptions for some businesses where water use is necessary for commercial activities, health and safety, animal welfare or environmental reasons. Wessex Water has also asked the Environment Agency and Defra to consider additional exemptions for small businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said the decision to apply for the restrictions had "not been made lightly". The ban could be introduced quickly if conditions worsen further.

How it is being reported

• Why Thames Water hosepipe ban is still in place despite rainfallThames Water has revealed why its hosepipe ban remains in place despite recent rainfall.Swindon Advertiser · 6 Nov, 16:00
• Why Thames Water hosepipe ban is still in place despite rainfallThames Water has revealed why its hosepipe ban remains in place despite recent rainfall.Gazette & Herald · 6 Nov, 16:00
• Water company wants to bring in new hosepipe ban amid wet weatherWessex Water has applied for a ban on non-essential water use by businesses.Gazette & Herald · 6 Nov, 10:43
• Water company wants to bring in new hosepipe ban amid wet weatherWessex Water has applied for a ban on non-essential water use by businesses.Wiltshire Times · 6 Nov, 10:43
• Water company wants to bring in new hosepipe ban amid wet weatherWessex Water has applied for a ban on non-essential water use by businesses.Swindon Advertiser · 6 Nov, 10:43

In this story: Wessex Water · Environment Agency · Defra

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