SOUTH East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd has said residents “rightly expect” South West Water to do everything it can to reduce leaks after a hosepipe ban was announced across Cornwall and much of the South West.

The temporary restrictions come into force at 12.01am on Saturday (August 8), following months of exceptionally dry weather, below-average rainfall and soaring demand for water.

Ms Gelderd acknowledged the disappointment many would feel, but said the ban highlighted the growing pressures facing the region's environment.

“South East Cornwall is feeling the effects of an exceptionally dry summer, with parched fields, gardens and green spaces,” she said. “I know the hosepipe ban will be disappointing for many local people, but it shows how seriously we need to take the pressures facing our water and natural environment.

“At the same time, residents rightly expect SWW to do everything it can to reduce leaks and protect our water supply.”

The MP said the issue had recently been discussed during a People’s Emergency Briefing event in Millbrook, where the focus was on preparing for climate change and protecting the environment.

SWW said the restrictions were necessary after one of the driest periods in recent years, with the Environment Agency declaring the South West among areas now officially in drought.

The ban applies to customers across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly.

Customers must not use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios or boats, or filling paddling pools and swimming pools. Water can still be used as normal for drinking, cooking, washing and flushing toilets.

South West Water’s water services director, Sam Bottomley, said introducing a hosepipe ban was “never a decision we take lightly”, but described it as an essential step to protect rivers and water supplies.

The company said it has increased leak detection and repairs, maximised water production and moved supplies around its network, while urging customers to use water wisely during the ongoing drought.