Is there a hosepipe ban in my area and when was the last one?

Britain’s first hosepipe ban of the summer is being introduced after England experienced its driest July in more than 100 years.

Southern Water’s temporary use ban will come into force for around 1.5 million people covering parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on August 5.

It comes after the blazing, record-breaking heatwave that engulfed the UK in mid July.

Temperatures climbed up to 40ºC in some parts of the country, which has led to water companies sharing water-saving tips and the suggestion that we could be on the brink of a hosepipe ban.

But which areas does it affect, and when did we last have one?

Here’s all you need to know.

Which areas of the UK are affected by the hosepipe ban?

Southern Water’s temporary use ban will come into force for around 1.5 million people covering parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on August 5.

It’s the first measure of its kind to be imposed in the region since 2012, and there is no indication of how long the measures might last.

The move was said to be ‘vital’ to protecting flora and fauna in the River Test and River Itchen where Southern Water sources its supplies.

River flows were around a quarter below typical July levels, the company said.

Typically, people impacted by hosepipe bans are forbidden from using one to:

• Fill a paddling pool or swimming pool
• Fill a fountain
• Water their garden or plants with a hosepipe
• Clean their car or motorbike with a hosepipe
• Clean their home’s walls or windows with a hosepipe
• Clean paths, patios or other outdoor surfaces with a hosepipe
• Fill a pond
• Clean a boat.

That said, people would typically still be allowed to use water outdoors with a bucket or watering can filled from the tap, or perhaps by using old water or their own water source.

Anyone found to be breaking the rules could be slapped with a £1,000 penalty.

When was the last hosepipe ban in the UK?

Previously, there was a hosepipe ban in England in 2012 – implemented by seven water companies including Southern, Anglian, South East, and Thames Water.

Northern Ireland had a brief ban starting in June 2018, lasting for around three weeks. It was the country’s first hosepipe ban for 23 years.

After a lengthy heatwave in 2018, a ban was scheduled for parts of England in mid-July for August that year.

However, United Utilities, which serves areas including Cumbria, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside, called it off days before it was due to begin, thanks to some much-needed rainfall.

MORE : Basic water saving tips to help avoid a hosepipe ban

MORE : Desperate homeowner tried to stop devastating heatwave blaze with a hosepipe

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below