Bristol under first hosepipe ban in 50 years as local pipe leaks and Severn drought order is sought

Wessex Water has introduced the first hosepipe ban in its area in 50 years after prolonged dry weather, BBC News Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire reported [5][6][7]. The company said it is experiencing record-breaking demand for water amid the ongoing drought [1].

In Bristol, a water pipe is reported to be leaking thousands of litres a day, and residents told the BBC it is "stupid" to waste so much water while the West is in drought [9][10]. The Cotswold Journal reported that a drought order has been sought for the River Severn amid exceptionally low rainfall, with proposals to reduce reservoir releases and water abstractions [8].

The pressures are not uniform: the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard reported that Swindon's Farmoor reservoir is more than 90 per cent full despite the drought [11]. Meanwhile, the Weston Mercury, Somerset County Gazette and Bridgwater Mercury reported that the Somerset Rivers Authority and local drainage boards are working during the hot weather to keep the county's rivers in good shape [2][3][4].