Southern Water is introducing a temporary hosepipe ban for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as hot, dry weather continues to put pressure on local water supplies.
The restrictions, officially known as a Temporary Use Ban, will come into force from Friday, 10 July.
It means customers in the affected areas will be restricted from using hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling paddling pools or cleaning patios.
Southern Water says the decision follows the driest spring in more than 100 years, along with record warm weather and increased demand for water.
The company says river levels are also a major concern, particularly on the River Test and River Itchen. The two chalk streams are described as being at critically low levels, around a quarter below normal for this time of year.
Southern Water says the temporary restrictions are being introduced to help protect supplies and the local environment while dry conditions continue.
Customers are being encouraged to use water carefully, including taking shorter showers, turning off taps when brushing teeth, using watering cans instead of hosepipes where allowed, and reusing water where possible.
The company says it understands the restrictions may be frustrating for customers, but insists action is needed to reduce demand and protect river flows.
The ban will remain in place until Southern Water says conditions have improved enough for restrictions to be lifted.
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