Isle of Wight households could face a fine of £1,000 if caught using a hosepipe from today (Friday) as the temporary usage ban comes into force.
Last week, Southern Water issued a statement confirming that a hosepipe ban across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was imminent following the warmest spring on record and a prolonged spell of hot, dry weather.
The Temporary Use Ban (TUB) will prohibit households across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire from doing the following as of 00:01 this morning:
- Watering the garden or plants using a hosepipe
- Cleaning a private motor vehicle or 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, windows, paths, patios or artificial outdoor surfaces at domestic premises using a hosepipe
As reported by Island Echo last week, water levels in the River Test, which supplies Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with most of their drinking water, have fallen to critically low levels and are now around 25% below what would normally be expected for this time of year.
When announcing the ban, Tania Flasck, Director of Water Operations at Southern Water, said:
“We’re working round the clock to keep taps flowing and protect the River Test, which is at a critically low level following recent hot weather.
“While the hosepipe ban comes into force on 10th July, we’re asking customers to start reducing their water use now, to help protect one of the region’s precious chalk streams and some of the rarest habitats on earth.”
Anyone caught using a hosepipe during this period is liable for prosecution through the criminal courts under Section 36 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and could face a fine of up to £1,000.
There are, however, some exemptions to the ruling, the company says exemptions will apply for some customers, including those registered on the Priority Services Register or WaterSure scheme with qualifying mobility or health needs, such as Blue Badge holders.
