Tor Bay Harbour

Mariners and harbour users are advised that South West Water has introduced a Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) across its entire service area, including Devon. The restrictions came into force at 00:01 on Saturday 8 August 2026 and will remain in place until further notice.

The restrictions apply to mains water and include the use of hosepipes and pressure washers to clean private leisure vessels. Accordingly, private leisure vessel owners within Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Harbours must not use harbour water supplies and hosepipes for washing or cleaning their vessels while the restrictions remain in force.

South West Water confirms that a hosepipe may continue to be used in certain circumstances, including where:

• a vessel is being cleaned as part of a business or professional service;
• the vessel is used for commercial activities or public services;
• cleaning is necessary to prevent the spread of non-native or invasive species;
• cleaning is required for health and safety purposes;

The filling of onboard potable water tanks for essential use is permitted. All harbour users are nevertheless requested to minimise water consumption wherever possible and ensure that taps and water points are fully turned off after use.

Where vessel cleaning is necessary and an exemption does not apply, mains water may still be used with a bucket and sponge, rather than a hosepipe. Harbour users are encouraged to adopt this approach wherever practicable.

Commercial operators who are exempt from the restrictions are also requested to use water responsibly and minimise unnecessary consumption.

Further information, including full details of restrictions and exemptions, is available from South West Water's hosepipe ban guidance.

Mariners and harbour users are requested to conserve water and assist in reducing demand while these temporary restrictions remain in force.