South West Water has announced it will introduce the temporary measures across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly. Rainfall across the South West has been significantly below seasonal averages for several months, prompting the Environment Agency to declare a drought across half of England, including the South West. Sam Bottomley from South West Water said: "After an extended period of exceptionally low rainfall, combined with sustained high demand during the warmer weather, our region's rivers and water resources are under significant pressure. South West Water is encouraging customers to take shorter showers, turn off taps while brushing their teeth, and only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads. Customers are being asked to begin following the restrictions immediately to help protect water supplies during the prolonged dry period.