Manx Utilities will be enforcing a hosepipe ban from Friday, July 29, in order to conserve its water supplies.

The penalty for breaching it involves a fine up to £2,000.

The authority says it has made the move following an extremely dry period and an increase in usage over recent weeks, despite a campaign to encourage Island residents to ‘use water wisely’.

Demand has been consistently above average for the last two years and proved in recent weeks to be significantly higher than expected for this time of year.

A MUA statement said: ‘Once again, Manx Utilities are asking residents to consider wise and essential only choices for utilising the island’s drinking water supply. Jet-washing a drive, watering a garden with a hosepipe, washing a car are not essential for life, so please cherish every single drop.

‘ For those who choose to ignore the temporary use ban, Manx Utilities can prosecute individuals for non-compliance and impose fines of up to £2,000.’

Chairman Rob Callister MHK said: ‘As with many water utility organisations, climate change is having a profound effect on raw water supplies across the globe and the Isle of Man is not immune.

‘However, as an island it is important to remember that the supply we have is the only one available to us, so we must all consider what we believe to be essential use and adhere to the provisions of the temporary use ban, until the availability of raw water stocks stabilises.

‘Although the restrictions apply to domestic users we would also ask businesses to consider their water use needs and activities to protect our island’s supply.’

The island last had a hosepipe ban in 2020. Click here for a reminder.