We've been experiencing a lot of hot weather lately and while most of us have been preoccupied concentrating on how to keep cool in the heat and trying to get some sleep in the hot weather, a new problem has presented itself: a lack of rainfall.
Following a drought being declared in large parts of southern, central and eastern England, many water companies have put a hosepipe ban in place as a result.
What is a hosepipe ban?
When a hosepipe ban is put in place, generally this means that people are not allowed to use a hosepipe or anything that connects to a hosepipe or outside tap. Restrictions can differ between water providers, however.
This means that during a ban, you cannot use a hosepipe to:
• Clean your car
• Water your plants or garden
• Fill up a pool
• Clean outside walls or windows
• Fill your pond
Anyone breaking the rules could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Are there any exceptions?
There are. A hosepipe can still be used for the following reasons:
• For business use
• To water a new lawn within 28 days of it being laid
• To fill a fountain used for religious practices
• To fill pools needed for medical treatment
• To top up a fishpond
Where have hosepipe bans been introduced?
Southern Water imposed a ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on 5 August.
South East Water imposed a ban in Kent and Sussex on 12 August.
Welsh Water announced a hosepipe ban to come into force on 19 August, including Pembrokeshire and a small part of Carmarthenshire.
Yorkshire Waters water ban will start on 26 August.
Thames Water, South West Water and SES Water are all considering introducing water bans should the weather stay dry and others are closely monitoring water levels.
How long will the hosepipe ban last?
This entirely depends on local conditions and water companies but Water UK says the restrictions will be in place “for as long as they are needed in a specific region”.