Rising temperatures and a hot weather warning in place this weekend could spell a hosepipe ban for Hampshire according to Southern Water.

Hampshire relies on the river as its water source and so in very hot and dry weather, in order to conserve the precious liquid, restrictions can be put in place.

A spokesperson for Southern Water, said: "We do not anticipate the need for temporary use bans across the whole of our region in the coming months. However, we may require extra measures in certain areas where water is scarcer and the pressure on supply is greatest, such as Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"We are working closely with local communities and partner agencies in these areas, to keep disruption to a minimum."

What is a temporary use ban (TUB)?

When Southern Water foresee a drought they must apply for a drought permit which allows them to continue to take water from the River Test to supply customers even as levels drop.

However, when a permit is in place, they are then required to do as much as possible to conserve water and minimise the impact on the river.

One of these measure includes putting a Temporary Use Ban (TUB) in place meaning consumers’ typical water use may be affected

A TUB is more commonly referred to as hosepipe restrictions or a hosepipe ban. Thing you may be restricted from doing include:

  • Watering a garden using a hosepipe
  • Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
  • Cleaning a motor vehicle using a hosepipe
  • Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
  • Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
  • Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
  • Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
  • Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
  • Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe
  • Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
  • Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe

Southern Water was last granted a drought permit for the River Test in September 2019 but this was never implemented thanks to plentiful rainfall across Hampshire throughout October and November.