Under the move, hosepipes cannot be used to water gardens and clean cars, and ornamental ponds and swimming pools must not be filled.
The company stressed there was no risk to water supply but the ban was needed to protect the environment during “one of the driest years on record for over a century” and record temperatures.
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly and we know the temporary use ban will have an impact on our customers,” said Dr Alison Hoyle, director of risk and compliance at Southern Water.
“We’re asking everyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to do their bit by supporting these measures and only use the water that they need.”
The temporary use ban includes:
• Watering a garden using a hosepipe
• Cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe
• Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
• Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
• Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
• Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
• Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
• Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
• Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe
• Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
• Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe
Read More: Hosepipe ban imposed on Hampshire and Isle of Wight after heatwave
