As temperatures start to rise in the summer, many areas in the UK announce hosepipe bans. But what do they mean exactly – and what impact do they have on your garden?
What are hosepipe bans?
A hosepipe ban is the common term for Temporary Use Bans (TUBs for short) on water that are announced by water companies. Hosepipe bans help to manage drought by reducing demand for water when supplies are low, such as in reservoirs. The company has to notify its customers ahead of time, including publishing information on its website and in at least two newspapers that circulate in the area.
Is anyone exempt from hosepipe bans?
If you're listed on the Priority Services Register then you are usually exempt from hosepipe bans – though it's best to check with your water provider.
Can you water plants during a hosepipe ban?
You can water your plants in your garden with a watering can, but not a hosepipe, during a hosepipe ban.
Can you water your allotment during a hosepipe ban?
Whether it's in your own garden or on an allotment site, you can water your allotment with a watering can but not a hosepipe. However, exceptions for this rule are if the land is being used commercially by a business (i.e. for growing) or if it's on agricultural land.
Can you use a pressure washer?
As pressure washers use a hose connected to the mains and use a large amount of water, you cannot use them during a hosepipe ban.
What happens if you break a hosepipe ban?
You could face fines up to £1,000 if you break a hosepipe ban.
Other activities that are prohibited during hosepipe bans
- Watering a garden* using a hosepipe
- Cleaning a private motor vehicle using a hosepipe
- Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
- Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
- Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
- Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
- Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
- Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
*A garden includes: a park; gardens open to the public; a lawn; a grass verge; an area of grass used for sport or recreation; an allotment garden; any area of an allotment used for non-commercial purposes; any other green space.
A garden does not include: agricultural land; land used commercially (i.e. for growing); a temporary garden or flower display; plants that are in an outdoor pot or in the ground, under cover.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your garden looking good during a heatwave – take a look at the easiest ways you can save water, as well as specific ways to keep your lawn in tip top condition during a heatwave.
Find out more gardening tips
- As temperatures rise, here’s how to help your garden wildlife in a heatwave – including the common myth you should AVOID
- How to make a garden pond: A step-by-step guide to creating a wildlife haven
- 20 easy garden projects
- How to make your garden wildlife-friendly
Main image: Getty
