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Hosepipe bans and restrictions
Hosepipe restrictions
The following water companies have enforced hosepipe restrictions (as of 12 February 2007)
- Cholderton & District Water Company
- Mid Kent Water
Visit www.hosepipeban.org.uk - a website that offers resources and discussion on the subjects of the hosepipe ban, drought and water shortage problems affecting the UK
A hosepipe ban, as defined in the Water Industry Act (para 76.), does not prohibit all uses of garden hoses - including cleaning, hosing down pets and livestock, filling fish ponds, drinking troughs, bird baths and other unplanted containers, washing trade vehicles, garden furniture, garages and greenhouses and even garden showers; although careful use should be made to minimise wastage. Bans only apply to watering of private gardens and washing of private cars.
Sensible hosepipe watering
Where there isn't a hosepipe ban, water can be used more sensibly in the garden by employing the following. However, please remember that sprinklers cannot be used in hosepipe ban areas, and drip irrigation systems, soaker and sprinkler hoses are regarded as being hosepipes.
- Sprinklers with area control which reduce wastage by ensuring that water is only applied where it is needed.
- Drip irrigation systems which can use up to 75% less water than a standard sprinkler.
- Soaker and sprinkler hoses which deliver water directly to plant roots without wastage.
- Spray guns with a trigger flow control which can use up to 75% less water than an open hose.
- Water-stop hose connectors which cut off the water flow when a hose accessory is disconnected.
- Tap timers which can be used to switch off the water flow at a predetermined time - and so eliminating the risk of forgetting to turn a sprinkler or hose off - or to shift watering to dawn, so reducing water loss due to evaporation.
Can you use your hose?
A 24-hour helpline has been set up by wtaering products company Hozelock to advise gardeners whether they are subject to hosepipe bans or not. The Hozelock Hoseline can be reached on 08717 247365 (calls cost 10p per minute).