Hosepipe Ban Lifted in Hampshire and Isle of Wight as Southern Water Thanks Customers for Saving Millions of Litres

Southern Water has today confirmed that the hosepipe ban affecting households and businesses across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been lifted, following months of customer cooperation and recent bouts of heavy rainfall.

The company announced the end of the Temporary Use Ban (TUB) on Friday, 31 October, thanking residents for their efforts in cutting back on water use over the summer.

“We’d like to thank customers in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight for putting away their hosepipes this summer,” Southern Water said in a statement. “Your efforts have helped save millions of litres of water, and as a result, we’re pleased to confirm that from today, the hosepipe ban has been lifted.”

The restrictions were introduced on 21 July 2025 after an exceptionally dry spring—the second driest on record for England—left reservoirs and groundwater sources under severe pressure. The ban affected nearly one million customers, limiting the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning vehicles, and filling paddling pools or hot tubs.

Violations during the ban were subject to fines of up to £1,000 under the Water Industry Act, though Southern Water said enforcement was largely unnecessary thanks to strong public cooperation.

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Recovery Still Underway

Despite recent rainfall bringing much-needed relief, the company cautioned that water sources are still recovering.

“Although the recent wet weather has been a welcome shift, for local water sources to recover, we need at least 80% of the average rainfall by the end of the year,” the statement continued. “It’s essential that we continue to work together to use water wisely.”

Southern Water encouraged customers to continue conserving water year-round, offering tips and advice through its online resources.

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Background: Months of Restrictions Across the South

The hosepipe ban was one of several introduced across southern England this year as the Environment Agency warned of “prolonged dry weather” and a growing risk of drought.

Exemptions during the ban included Blue Badge holders, disabled customers, and businesses that rely on hosepipes for their operations, such as garden centres and car washes.

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Looking Ahead

With rainfall increasing and reservoirs beginning to recover, Southern Water says it will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the winter. However, the utility warned that long-term challenges—such as climate change and population growth—mean the region must continue to focus on sustainable water use.

“Every drop counts,” the company added. “Even with the ban lifted, we encourage everyone to keep up the good habits that have made such a positive difference.”