Drought response across the West: hosepipe ban, reservoir charity run and river repairs

Wessex Water has introduced the first hosepipe ban in its area since 1976 after prolonged dry weather, according to BBC Bristol and BBC News Somerset [1][6]. The company said it is experiencing record-breaking demand for water amid the ongoing drought, BBC Bristol reported [1].

At the same time, Bristol Water has opened applications for its second annual Chew Valley Reservoir Run, to be held from 9am on Sunday 20 September 2026, to raise money for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, the company said [5]. Participants can choose between 2.5k, 5k or 10k routes, and tickets cost £15, with all proceeds going to the charity, according to Bristol Water [5]. Last year the event helped raise £2,450 for The Grand Appeal [5].

Elsewhere, the Somerset Rivers Authority and local drainage boards are working during the hot weather to ensure Somerset’s rivers are in good shape, the Weston Mercury and Somerset County Gazette reported [2][3][4]. Separately, residents told the BBC that a water pipe is leaking thousands of litres a day while the West is in drought [8][9]. A drought order has also been sought for the River Severn amid exceptionally low rainfall, with proposals to reduce reservoir releases and water abstractions, the Cotswold Journal reported [7].