The Imminent Hosepipe Ban

On the August 24, Thames Waters’ hosepipe ban will start affecting 15 million customers across the Thames Valley and other areas.

Thames Water stated water levels in their rivers and reservoirs were "much lower" than usual and as a result it "needs to take the next step in our drought plan."

Hosepipe ban

What does a Hosepipe Ban Mean?

Hosepipe bans mean you must not use a hosepipe connected to the mains water supply and anyone breaking the hosepipe bans could face fines up to £1,000.

South East Water said that the bans can also include items that are "adapted" to serve the same purpose as a hosepipe, so sprinklers and irrigation systems are also prohibited.

Examples of banned hosepipe activities include;

  • Filling or maintaining a paddling pool or swimming pool*
  • Filling or maintaining an ornamental pond or water fountain
  • Cleaning walls or windows of a domestic property
  • Cleaning your car or other vehicles with a hosepipe
  • Cleaning patios or other artificial outdoor surfaces
  • Watering your garden

Hosepipe ban

* Unless the pool is designed, constructed or adapted for use in the course of a programme of medical treatment, decontaminating animals from infections or disease, used in the course of a programme of veterinary treatment or in which fish or other aquatic animals are being reared or kept in captivity.

Please note, filing or maintaining a pool where necessary in the course of its construction is also permitted.

South West Water also said that customers will still be able to water their gardens or clean their cars without using a hosepipe if they use tap water from a bucket or watering can, or if they use water that is not sourced from taps, such as rainwater.

And finally businesses are also exempt from the ban, this includes farmers, taxi drivers and window cleaners.

Hosepipe ban

What about Hot Tubs?

Although swimming pools and paddling pools are included in the list of items that can be prohibited from using a hosepipe, hot tubs are not included in this list of activities in the Temporary Use Bans, currently in operation in England. Clarification is being sought from Welsh Water and Yorkshire Water, as they appear to be including hot tubs in their bans. Where water companies permit, hot tubs can be filled or topped up using a hosepipe. Please note that swim spas (sometimes called exercise spas) are understood to be classed as swimming pools.

Hosepipe ban

Deep End Pools recommend that swimming pool and hot tub owners check their water suppliers’ websites for a list of their restrictions just to make 100% sure.

Not sure who your supplier is… Find out here;

https://www.water.org.uk/advice-for-customers/find-your-supplier/ 

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