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UK facing 'most changeable week' of weather since June as water company imposes first hosepipe ban in 50 years
The company said demand has stayed above 400 million litres a day as prolonged dry weather strains supplies and reservoir storage.
- On Tuesday, August 18, Wessex Water imposed a hosepipe ban for 1.4 million customers across Bath, Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire, marking the company's first restriction in 50 years since the drought of 1976.
- Prolonged hot, dry weather pushed demand to record levels, consistently exceeding 400 million litres per day—30% above average. Wessex Water Chief Executive Ruth Jefferson stated the network struggles to move water quickly enough to meet this exceptional demand.
- The Environment Agency declared drought across 71 per cent of England's land area, affecting more than 27 million people nationwide. Wessex Water's ban joins restrictions already imposed by other suppliers across the country.
- Households are urged to take shorter showers, use watering cans instead of hosepipes, and let lawns turn brown. Exemptions apply for Priority Services Register and Blue Badge holders unable to use alternative methods due to disability or health conditions.
- Forecasters expect more unsettled, changeable weather this week, with rain and thunderstorms possible in some areas. The Met Office warns that not all regions will receive meaningful rainfall, leaving the drought situation under continued monitoring.
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Wessex Water Hits 1.4 Million Customers With First Historic Hosepipe Ban Since 1976 as Drought Worsens
Wessex Water's first hosepipe ban since 1976 takes effect at 00:01 on Tuesday, 18 August. The restriction applies to 1.4 million customers across Bath, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. The company blamed prolonged dry weather and record demand across its network. Wessex Water said essential supplies remain secure despite the pressure. What Wessex Water's Ban Means for 1.4 Million Customers Chief executive Ruth Jefferson said the company had not t…
·United Kingdom
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Thurrock GazetteReposted by 
brentwoodlive.co.uk
brentwoodlive.co.ukEssex and Suffolk Water issue hosepipe ban update following rain forecast
Essex and Suffolk Water have issued an update on their hosepipe ban after the county experienced its first rainfall in weeks following a dry period.
·Essex, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources33
Leaning Left2Leaning Right4Center19Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Center
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources are Center
76% Center
C 76%
R 16%
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