Car washes and gym pools could be closed under drought-triggered water rationing Southern Water has applied for permission to extend water restrictions in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, potentially banning non-essential uses such as car washing and filling swimming pools. This move comes amid a severe drought affecting multiple regions in England and Wales. The proposed restrictions, known as a "non-essential use ban," would mark the first time since 2006 that such measures have been authorized by the government. A consultation period ends on Tuesday, and if approved, the ban would apply to both residential and commercial users. Southern Water emphasized that the application does not guarantee implementation, stating that the measures are precautionary and aimed at protecting water supplies and the environment should dry conditions persist. The drought has led to widespread hosepipe bans across England and Wales, impacting millions of residents. As of early August 2026, 71.3 percent of the country is classified as being in drought conditions, with nearly 45 million people affected. The National Drought Group has noted that the situation has worsened due to consecutive heatwaves, with temperatures reaching record highs. In some areas, such as the East Midlands and Kent, water shortages have forced local authorities to implement stricter controls. The Met Office has issued amber extreme heat warnings for much of England, highlighting the risk of health complications and disruptions to daily life. The proposed non-essential use ban targets commercial water usage, which accounts for approximately a third of all water consumed in the UK. Under the plan, businesses would be prohibited from engaging in activities such as watering outdoor plants, filling or maintaining non-domestic swimming pools, or cleaning vehicles and boats. These restrictions aim to reduce overall demand and ensure that essential household needs are met. The regulator Ofwat has described the non-essential use ban as a more stringent measure compared to standard hosepipe bans, which primarily affect domestic users. The government has clarified that public swimming pools are not included in the restrictions, though private pools and commercial facilities may face limitations. In contrast, the situation in Puerto Rico has escalated to critical levels, with hundreds of thousands of residents experiencing regular water rationing. Authorities have divided households into groups, alternating their water supply for 48-hour periods. The island's water authority reports that 65 percent of produced water is lost due to leaks and aging infrastructure, exacerbating the crisis. Governor Jenniffer González attributed the shortage to prolonged drought conditions and the depletion of the Carraízo reservoir, which has faced record-low levels due to the driest July on record. Despite efforts to address the issue, officials have not yet announced when the rationing will end, leaving communities uncertain about the future. Meanwhile, residents in the South West of England have expressed frustration over the recent hosepipe ban imposed by South West Water. Many accuse the company of failing to maintain adequate infrastructure, citing numerous sewage spills and pollution incidents over the past several years. A Facebook post by a resident criticized the company for not reducing water bills during the ban, arguing that the service has consistently underperformed. Data from the Environment Agency revealed that South West Water was responsible for over 46,000 sewage spills in 2025, with significant environmental damage to rivers and coastal areas. The company has defended its actions, claiming that investments in infrastructure and storm overflow systems are ongoing, but critics argue that these measures have not been sufficient to prevent recurring crises. Across the UK, the combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought, and outdated infrastructure has placed immense strain on water resources. With temperatures continuing to rise and rainfall remaining below average, the likelihood of further restrictions increases. Local authorities and water companies are under pressure to balance the need for conservation with the demands of growing populations. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on ensuring that essential services remain operational while minimizing the impact on everyday life. The coming weeks will determine whether additional measures are required to safeguard water supplies for the foreseeable future.
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