Bournemouth | Posted on August 12th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth Water asks customers to use water wisely during high demand

Bournemouth Water is asking its customers to help reduce water use as prolonged hot, dry weather continues to drive exceptionally high demand across the area.

With no end in sight to the baking weather, Bournemouth Water reports that the sustained heatwave has put pressure on parts of the local drinking water network across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Ringwood and the New Forest.

Recent fires across the region have also increased demand significantly, both through firefighting activity and precautionary water use by local communities.

To help maintain supplies for customers, Bournemouth Water is asking customers and visitors to the area to use water with care until temperatures start to fall. The company recommends that customers can help save water by:

Taking a four-minute shower.
Turning off the tap while brushing their teeth.
Only using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
Using a watering can instead of a hose where and when possible.
Watering gardens in the early morning or late evening.
Keeping a jug of drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it is cold.
Checking for dripping taps or leaks around the home.

Last week, the Environment Agency declared half of England, including Dorset, in drought. More recently, the Met Office has warned of a further notable heatwave developing this week, following on from provisionally the second warmest July on record for the UK.