Hosepipe restrictions will come into force for Southern Water customers in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight from Friday 10 July 2026. Southern Water says the restrictions will begin at 12.01 am.
The company says the warmest spring on record, followed by a record-breaking heatwave, has left river levels 25% lower than expected for this time of year.
It says the River Test has lost a third of its water within the last month, putting pressure on its ability to treat and supply water.
Southern Water says the restrictions are needed to protect local rivers, including the River Test and River Itchen, while keeping taps flowing for customers.
The restrictions mean customers must not use a hosepipe for non-essential activities such as watering gardens, using sprinkler systems, washing cars, cleaning patios or windows, and filling paddling pools, hot tubs, swimming pools, ponds or fountains.
Customers can still use water for drinking, cooking, showering and washing clothes. Watering cans and buckets can also still be used.
Commercial car washes are not affected by the restrictions.
Southern Water says customers with medical needs may still need to use a hosepipe. Customers on the Priority Services Register with medical or mobility needs, including Blue Badge holders and those on the WaterSure tariff, are exempt.
The company is asking customers to reduce or avoid hosepipe use wherever possible.
Residents can check whether restrictions apply to their area by using Southern Water’s postcode checker.
Southern Water says the ban will be removed as soon as there is enough water in reservoirs, rivers and underground aquifers to meet demand.
Quick Reader Box
- Starts: Friday 10 July 2026
- Time: 12.01 am
- Where: Southern Water customers in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight
- Why: Low river levels, pressure on supply and protection of the River Test and River Itchen
- Allowed: Watering cans, buckets, normal household water use
- Not allowed: Hosepipes for gardens, cars, patios, windows, paddling pools, hot tubs and similar non-essential uses
- Exemptions: Some medical and mobility needs, including eligible Priority Services Register customers, Blue Badge holders and WaterSure tariff customers