South West Water have issued an update about when the hosepipe ban, the first in the country for 26 years, might come to an end.

On Tuesday, August 23 at 12:01am the restrictions came into place which limited the use of water from hosepipes at households across Cornwall and some regions of Devon.

Breaches of the ban could result in a fine up to £10,000. 

When asked for a latest statement regarding the ongoing ban, a spokesperson for South West Water (SWW) informed the Packet: "We are monitoring the situation and will lift current restrictions when our reservoirs are returning to more normal levels.

"We will keep customers informed through our website once we have an update to give and are sharing water saving tips in the meantime."

At the time the ban was announced the company said they were left with 'no choice' but to enforce the restrictions which followed the driest July on record since 1976. They said: "It’s the first time in 26 years but we’ve been left with no other choice.

"We need to have a hosepipe ban now to protect our precious water.We’ve done our best to avoid this ban. We’ve increased the amount of water we can store - doubling it since the last drought in 1976.

"We’ve opened reservoirs, installed a new borehole, and improved the way we can move water across the region to help keep everyone’s taps running."

What you can't do from a hosepipe:

  • Water a garden using a hosepipe
  • Water plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
  • Draw water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
  • Fill or maintain an ornamental fountain
  • Fill or maintain a domestic pond using a hosepipe
  • Fill or maintain a domestic swimming, paddling pool or hot tub
  • Clean a private vehicle using a hosepipe
  • Clean walls, or windows of domestic premises using a hosepipe
  • Clean paths, patios or other artificial outdoor surfaces, such as decking using a hosepipe
  • Clean a private leisure boat using a hosepipe