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Wessex Water announces first hosepipe ban in 50 years

Wessex Water announces first hosepipe ban in 50 years
The Independent UK Monday 17 August 2026, 09:45 UTC By Anna Loren 1 min read
Key Points

Wessex Water announces first hosepipe ban in 50 years The last ban was put in place during the infamous scorching summer of 1976 - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Wessex Water has become the latest water company to announce a hosepipe ban – its first in 50 years. The firm, which supplies 1.4 million customers across Bath, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, last put a ban in place during the infamous hot summer of 1976. The ban begins at one minute past midnight on Tuesday 18 August.

Wessex Water announces first hosepipe ban in 50 years The last ban was put in place during the infamous scorching summer of 1976 - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Wessex Water has become the latest water company to announce a hosepipe ban – its first in 50 years. The firm, which supplies 1.4 million customers across Bath, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, last put a ban in place during the infamous hot summer of 1976. The ban begins at one minute past midnight on Tuesday 18 August. More than 27 million people across England are already under hosepipe bans. It comes after the UK roasted in five heatwaves over the summer, with a potential sixth on the way before autumn arrives. On Thursday, the hottest day of the year was recorded at London’s Kew Gardens, with temperatures reaching a sizzling 38.1C. More follows on this story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments
Wessex Water (ORG) Bath (LOCATION) Somerset (LOCATION) Dorset (LOCATION) Wiltshire (LOCATION) England (LOCATION) UK (LOCATION) London (LOCATION) Kew Gardens (LOCATION) The Independent (ORG) Independent (ORG)
Originally published by The Independent UK Read original →

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