Tag: sustainability

hosepipe ban in our area

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Dear Customer

Hosepipe ban introduced throughout our region

Following months of unprecedented hot and dry weather, demand for water has never been higher and we need to protect our water resources, both for you and the environment. 

Demand is, currently 30% higher than average, and with more hot weather to come and no significant rain forecast, we’ve made the difficult decision to introduce a hosepipe ban. 

It has been 50 years since water restrictions were last introduced in the Wessex Water region. We have worked hard to avoid the need for restrictions, but introducing a hosepipe ban now is necessary as no significant rainfall has been forecast for the coming weeks. 

What is a hosepipe ban?

A hosepipe ban, also known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), restricts the use of hosepipes for certain non-essential activities to help conserve water during periods of prolonged dry weather. 

When does the hosepipe ban start?

The hosepipe ban starts on Tuesday 18 August from 00:01 hrs. From this point, you must not use a hosepipe for activities covered by the restrictions. 

At this time, we can’t confirm when restrictions will be lifted. We will continue to monitor reservoir levels, river flows, groundwater levels, and demand for water. We will remove the hosepipe ban as soon as we can and let you know. 

What can I no longer use a hosepipe for?

  • Watering gardens, lawns, flowers and plants.
  • Filling or maintaining paddling pools and swimming pools. 
  • Washing private vehicles. 
  • Cleaning patios, paths, driveways, walls and windows. 
  • Filling ornamental ponds or fountains. 
  • Cleaning outdoor surfaces. 

A full list of restrictions can be found on our website.

Are there any exemptions?

You may be exempt from the ban if you are unable to make reasonable adjustments due to a health condition or disability. Using a hosepipe for health and safety needs, animal welfare and some business services and activities are also exempt from the restrictions. A complete list of exemptions can be found on our website.

Anything else you need to know?

For more information, including the latest updates and frequently asked questions, visit our website.

If you need to speak to us, please contact us or, report a problem online.

We understand this may be frustrating and appreciate the impact it may have on you. We would like to thank you for using water wisely throughout the summer and for your understanding, support and cooperation. 

Thank you

Ruth Jefferson, Chief Executive

Severe weather warning

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Please help share these key messages:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm) and if you are out, wear a hat
    and sunscreen and stay in the shade where possible
  • Keep indoor spaces cool where possible, by drawing curtains or blinds
  • Check on older or vulnerable people
  • Avoid unnecessary travel
  • We would also remind people to take care around open water during hot
    weather, as swimming in open water can cause cold water shock and hidden
    hazards can pose serious risks even on very warm days.

Waste arrangements to change following heat health warning

Changes to recycling and rubbish collections and recycling site opening times

Somerset Council, alongside its waste contractors Biffa and SUEZ, is advising residents of temporary changes to waste services on Wednesday and Thursday (24 – 25 June 2026), due to the forecast high temperatures.

The changes support the welfare of collection and recycling site crews, as well as keeping the safety of the public in mind.

The changes will reduce the risk of heat stress following the announcement of a red heat health alert by UKSHA (UK Health Security Agency).

Recycling, rubbish, bulky waste and clinical collections

Waste collection services, operated by SUEZ, will take place from 6am to midday on Wednesday and Thursday.

No collections will take place after midday on those days.

Any recycling not collected on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon will not be returned for. Residents should take it back in and present it again on their next scheduled recycling collection day.

Rubbish and garden waste collections that are not completed on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon will be collected on Saturday.

Any uncollected clinical or bulky waste collections will be completed later in the week, including Saturday. Disruption to these services is expected to be minimal.

Residents are asked to put their recycling, rubbish and garden waste out the night before their scheduled collection day, or by 6am at the latest.

Recycling sites

All 16 of Somerset’s Recycling Sites, which are operated by Biffa, will amend opening hours to close to the public from midday on Wednesday and Thursday.

Closing the sites at noon helps to protect both the team’s that work there, as well as encouraging residents to avoid tasks that may be strenuous in hot weather, like moving and lifting materials.

Hot weather food waste advice

As temperatures rise, residents are reminded that a few simple steps can help keep food waste containers clean and reduce smells or pests:

  • Keep food waste bin lids closed to reduce smells and pests
  • Store bins in a shaded area where possible
  • Line caddies with newspaper or compostable liners
  • Clean caddies regularly to keep them hygienic
  • Freeze food waste until collection day to help prevent odour and flies

Residents are encouraged to keep up to date with any changes to waste services through Somerset Council’s website and Somerset Waste social media channels.

waste collections

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Somerset Council has announced that there will be no recycling or rubbish collections taking place during the upcoming Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May.

Collection days will change across Somerset following the bank holiday.

All collections will be 1 day later than the usual schedule:

  • If a resident’s usual collection day is Monday, it will now take place on Tuesday.
  • Tuesday collections will be moved to Wednesday, Wednesday collections to Thursday, and so on.
  • For those who usually have a Friday collection, their collection will be rescheduled to Saturday 30 May.

If opening on a Monday is part of the Recycling Centre’s opening days, then it will be open as usual from 9am to 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

To help manage the increased volume of recycling, residents are encouraged to make extra space in their recycling boxes by crushing and flattening their recyclables.

This simple step can make a difference to help reduce the number of trips crews need to make to empty their vehicles.

For more information about what can be collected for recycling and to check a collection day visit the Council’s Bins, recycling and waste pages.

Early start during hot weather.

Waste collections in Somerset will begin from 6am next week, from Tuesday 26 May as temperatures are expected to climb.

The early starts are to help crews impacted by the hot weather and help to minimise any chance of disruption to recycling, rubbish or garden waste collections across the county.

Waste collection is hard, physical work and early starts help limit the time crews spend working in the hottest part of the day.

Somerset Council is asking residents to put their bins out the night before to make sure they are prepared for the early start.

Decarbonise your property

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

To help your community to decarbonise, support energy efficiency improvements and help to reduce fuel costs, I wanted to let you know about Thermly (https://www.thermly.co.uk): they are a green energy technology company operating to help rapidly increase the uptake of clean energy technologies for homeowners and they have just launched their new service in Somerset. See details in the attached pdf.

As highlighted in the latest edition of Somerset Council’s Somerset Environmental and Ecological Newsletter* (SEEN) there is more support, grants and loans available to support householders retrofit their homes by decarbonising with upgraded heating and clean energy technologies to help make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. For further info about Retrofit and a local directory see Retrofit Somerset.
(*If you have community and/or council actions on climate & environmental activities or projects please send them in to climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk for potential inclusion in an edition of SEEN).

Thermly have developed a unique website that enables an interested householder to answer a few brief questions about the viability of their home for these green technologies and obtain a no obligation estimate from 3 local, pre-vetted and Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS) certified installers for heat pumps, solar PV and/or batteries from carefully chosen, trusted and local installers. They also support the uptake of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for householders – £7,500 grant towards installing a heat pump.

If the homeowner would like to proceed, they can choose which installer they prefer and have an in-person survey undertaken free of charge which will provide them with a detailed quotation – if they approve, the homeowner can progress with the installation, all managed through the Thermly platform.

If you were interested in Thermly, please feel free to contact Clephane via email atclephane@thermly.co.uk. He would be more than happy to arrange a meeting to talk you through the attached presentation and/or any questions you may have.

In addition Somerset Council’s Climate and Natural Environment Team are going to set up regular meeting with each council’s climate/environment officer (if you have one) or a representative of the council/community engaging with action on the climate and ecological emergency. Please pass this invitation on to your officer or cllr or let us know their contact info for us to invite them to these meetings.

Many thanks for your help,

Best eco well wishes,

Cara Naden
Climate & Natural Environment

Somerset Council
01935 462615

Message from Wessex Water

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment
Dear Customers

The UK has experienced one of the driest springs in 132 years, and as temperatures rise, so does our collective demand for water. The Environment Agency has now moved our region into what’s known as “Prolonged Dry Weather” status.

We’re not currently planning to introduce a hosepipe ban or other restrictions, but this change is a clear signal that we all need to do our bit to make sure there’s enough water to go around. Every drop counts and your actions matter

We’re not asking you to stop using water, just to use it wisely. Small changes at home can make a big difference – especially when we all do them together:

·        Take shorter showers

·        Use your washing machine and dishwasher only when full

·        Check for hidden leaks around your property

·        Let your lawn go brown. As soon as the rain returns it will go back to normal

These simple steps help protect our water supplies and, if you’re on a water meter, can save you money too.

What we’re doing to help

Hot, dry weather means less water goes into our reservoirs. River flows, groundwater, and reservoir levels are all lower than usual.

We’re working hard behind the scenes to keep water flowing, upgrading infrastructure, and fixing leaks.

If you spot a damp patch on the pavement or a trickle from a utility cover, let us know. Our teams will find it and fix it.

Thank you for your support

Water is precious. By working together, we can protect our supplies and make a real difference this summer for our communities and our environment.

If you have any questions, contact us at 0345 600 4 600 Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm.

Thank you,  Ruth Jefferson, Chief Executive