South West Water imposes hosepipe ban amid sewage spill controversy
South West Water (SWW) has implemented a hosepipe ban affecting customers in Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly. The decision follows a period of low rainfall, leading to drought conditions declared by the Environment Agency. Residents are prohibited from using hosepipes for various activities, including watering gardens and cleaning cars. The ban has sparked anger among residents, who criticize SWW for years of sewage spills and demand bill reductions. SWW has faced legal action and fines for pollution-related charges, including illegal sewage spills and supplying contaminated water.