Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard
·Aug 2026
Hosepipe ban postcode checker: See if you are affected
Wessex Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban beginning August 18 in parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Bath after more than 40 days of record water demand. The restrictions prohibit hosepipe use for activities including watering gardens, washing cars and patios, cleaning windows, and filling swimming or paddling pools. Demand had exceeded 400 million litres per day, about 30% above the seasonal average. Some Wiltshire areas, including Swindon and Marlborough, were already subject to separate Thames Water restrictions, so residents were advised to check their postcode and water provider.