Cornwall remains officially in “drought” status, with the hosepipe ban in place since last summer now extended into more parts of Devon.

As a result, South West Water is urging customers to reduce non-essential water usage.

It has extended the Temporary Use Ban from Cornwall and North Devon into other parts of Devon also.

The company said the restrictions are being introduced to protect supplies following lower than average levels of rainfall last year and throughout February.

The hosepipe ban will now also apply to customers in South West Water’s Roadford supply area and will come into effect from next Tuesday, April 25, at one minute past midnight.

The company said: “While South West Water has taken every precaution to prevent further restrictions being required, Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly remain officially in drought status as declared by the Environment Agency.

“Reservoir levels fell to their lowest recorded level last year and storage at Roadford Lake is currently around 27% lower than it was at the same time in 2022, the equivalent to nearly 3,800 Olympic-sized swimming pools.”

Activities covered by the hosepipe ban include using hosepipes to water gardens or clean cars, said the water company.

Customers can still carry out these activities without using a hosepipe if they use tap water from a bucket or watering can, or use water that is not sourced from taps such as “grey water” – for example from condenser tumble driers - rainwater from a water butt, or a private borehole.

READ NEXT: Everything you need to know about recycling in Cornwall: what, where and how

South West Water said in addition to its ‘Save Every Drop’ customer and business campaign, it was investing a further £75 million this year in water resilience schemes to bring new water sources online.

Advice on how to save water includes taking showers instead of baths and not running the tap when brushing teeth. Customers can also access free water-saving devices such as shower regulators, leaky loo detectors and water butts from South West Water’s website.

The company said it was now finding and fixing up to 2,500 leaks a month using satellite technology and even leak detection dogs, and would fix any leaks on private properties free of charge. Anyone who thinks they may have a leak on their property can get in touch through the website.

David Harris, South West Water’s drought and resilience director, said: “We know that last year and into this year our customers have made a real effort to be responsible in their water use and we thank them for that. It has made a difference and we ask them to continue saving water whenever they can.

“We continue to explore all options and take all necessary steps to ensure we protect supplies and the environment.

“However, despite our interventions and investments, and the fantastic efforts of our customers, the region’s water resources are under immense and increasing pressure. Introducing a hosepipe ban is the responsible thing for us to do and going into the summer period is the right time to do it.”

The temporary use ban will not apply to blue badge holders or those on South West Water’s priority register. Businesses and farmers are unaffected.

More information about what these temporary measures mean for households and which areas it applies to can be found at southwestwater.co.uk/tub