Drought responses widen across the West as hosepipe bans, river works and leaks expose uneven water pressures

Wessex Water has introduced the first hosepipe ban in 50 years after prolonged dry weather, the BBC reported [5][6][7]. The company said it is experiencing record-breaking demand for water amid the ongoing drought [1][12].

In Somerset, 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]. A drought order has been sought for the River Severn because of exceptionally low rainfall, with proposals to reduce reservoir releases and water abstractions, the Cotswold Journal reported [8].

Residents told BBC Bristol that a water pipe is leaking thousands of litres a day and that it is “stupid” to waste water while the West is in drought [11][9].

Meanwhile, Thames Water said Swindon’s reservoir is more than 90 per cent full despite the drought, and thanked customers who had reduced their water use during the prolonged dry spell [13]. Thames Water also issued a new statement on the UK hosepipe ban as rain hit Oxfordshire [10].