Business · 4 August 2026
Southern Water asks government for hosepipe ban after drought declaration
Image by mariiaklymenko1990 on Freepik
Southern Water aims to impose a hosepipe ban across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire in order to safeguard dwindling rivers and water reserves. Defra, the government environment department, must approve the Drought Order before any rules take effect. The company also wants permission to keep taking water from the River Test even if levels fall further.
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