Drought conditions demand action

Water restrictions in force

20 March 2012

Hosepipe bans will return on 5 April, affecting the 20 million customers of water companies in eastern and south-eastern England.

This follows the driest 12 months in some areas since records began in 1910. Other companies might yet issue bans, depending on rainfall and demand for water.

Unlike in previous droughts, water companies now have more options than a blanket hosepipe ban. The new Temporary Use Bans prohibit 11 uses (see list below) of a hosepipe when attached to the mains water supply outside a dwelling. However, exemptions applied by individual companies will allow hosepipe to be used for particular purposes.

Across all seven water companies, all have exemptions for people for whom lugging watering cans would be difficult, such as those registered disabled, but these are still subject to some caveats so it is best to contact your supplier.

It is also worth noting that:

• lengths of hosepipe will not be allowed for the filling of watering cans
• filling ornamental fountains will be prohibited, but garden ponds can be topped up (a hosepipe can even be used if they contain fish and aquatic animals reared or kept in captivity).
• hosepipe could still be used to move grey water, such as from the bath to garden
• South East Water will allow the over 65s to use hosepipes
   

Three water companies (Anglia Water, South East Water, Thames Water) will use the exemptions to allow the use of ‘drip irrigation’ systems (with some caveats). Likewise, South East Water will permit new turf to be watered for up to 28 days after laying.

The exemptions applied under the Temporary Use Bans vary between water companies, so gardeners should check the restrictions. If an individual is found to flout these rules, they can face fines of up to £1,000. Public consultations on these Bans run until 30 March 2012.

Although Temporary Use Bans only restrict the use of hosepipes, and do not prohibit watering cans or buckets, consumers are being urged to be frugal with water in the home and garden.

The RHS is reviewing its drought plans for RHS shows, gardens and plant centres to avoid unnecessary water use, and updating watering and water-saving advice for gardeners.

Garden centres and landscapers are relieved that there are some exemptions for hosepipe use, as previous restrictions are reported to have severely damaged their businesses.

See list of companies who are implementing bans:

Full list of prohibitions:

1. Watering a ‘garden’ using a hosepipe

2. Cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe

3. Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe

4. Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe

5. Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool

6. Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic

7. Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe

8. Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain

9. Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe

10. Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe

11. Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe