Another hosepipe ban starts today - what is exempt and what you can't do in your gardens

Another hosepipe ban starts today - what is exempt and what you can't do in your gardens Another water company has imposed a hosepipe ban on millions of customers as low rainfall and another incoming heatwave puts pressure on water supplies A new hosepipe ban has started for nearly 2 million people today as the UK braces for a fifth heatwave. Most of south-west England will be hit following a prolonged period of dry weather, as South West Water announced the restriction. All customers in Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset and the Isles of Scilly will be subject to the temporary conditions, which started from 1am today. The water company said a dry summer, significantly below average rainfall and high demand had increased pressure on the local water resources and led to the temporary ban. What will people not be allowed to do? Restrictions have been placed on non-essential activities like filling swimming pools or paddling pools, watering gardens, washing cars, boats, patios and windows. People will still be allowed to use water for washing, cooking, drinking and flushing toilets. Customers can also carry out activities without a hosepipe - like using a watering can on flowers and plants. What are the exemptions? The hosepipe ban does not apply to certain customers, which includes: - Blue Badge holders - People on the water company's Priority Services Register and unable to make reasonable adjustments due to a health condition or disability - Cases where human health and safety need to be protected - Water is needed for animal welfare, including pets, livestock and fish There is also an exception for people who are not using water from the mains supply, for examples if it has been taken from a recycled water storage system. Why has the new ban come into force? South West Water said a dry summer, significantly below average rainfall and high demand had increased pressure on the local water resources and led to the temporary ban. The water company added that rainfall in the region has been considerably below the seasonal average for several months. South West Water said this temporary restriction will "ensure a resilient supply of water to its customers". Last month was the driest July for England and Wales since records began in 1836, according to provisional figures released by the Met Office. What else have customers been asked to do? South West Water has asked people in the impacted region to take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing their teeth. Customers can also rub washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads. Sam Bottomley, South West Water, said: "Our teams have been working tirelessly to protect supplies for customers. We've maximised water production wherever possible, increased leak detection and repairs, moved water around our network and introduced a wide range of operational measures to make the best use of the water available." Bottomley added: "Every litre saved now will help protect our rivers and water resources while drought conditions continue. By making small changes to how we use water, our customers can make a real difference." Which other water companies have restrictions in place? Some companies have had bans in place since mid-July. Nine water companies have temporary bans in place: Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Essex and Suffolk Water, Southern Water, South East Water, South West Water, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Thames Water. This comes as new heat alerts are to come into force as the UK braces for its fifth heatwave of the year, bringing scorching highs of 36C. The Met Office said temperatures will climb through the weekend, with a high of 36C expected in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday.