Will there be a hosepipe ban in the UK?
Nationally, last autumn and winter saw average rainfall levels, which have helped to maintain reservoir and groundwater supplies across the country.
The Environment Agency (EA) is closely monitoring water companies' implementation of dry weather plans, especially in high-risk locations, and is preparing advice and information for the public, including small steps they can take to reduce usage.
Among the possible options on the table for water companies is a hosepipe ban, but what needs to happen for this to be introduced, and how long will it last?
What needs to happen for a hosepipe ban to be put in place?
A hosepipe ban, officially called a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), can be introduced by a water company when supplies come under pressure, usually due to prolonged dry weather.
Although the EA monitors drought conditions, it's the individual water companies who make the decision when it comes to a hosepipe ban.
Typically, a ban may be considered when rainfall has been well below average for several weeks or months, when reservoir and groundwater levels are lower than normal for the time of year or when there's a higher demand due to hot weather.
'It's been the driest early spring since 1956 across England. Reservoirs are 84% full and there is now a medium, but increasing, risk of drought,' the EA has warned.
'There are currently no plans for hosepipe bans. If the prolonged dry weather continues, water companies may need to implement their dry weather plans in the weeks and months ahead.'
What happens if it is brought into place?
If a ban is announced, households are legally restricted from using hosepipes for a range of non-essential activities such as watering gardens or lawns, washing cars or filling paddling or swimming pools, cleaning patios or windows with a hose.
Breaching the rules can lead to fines of up to £1,000.
How long could it last?
The length of a hosepipe ban depends on weather conditions and how quickly water sources recover. In past years, bans have lasted from a few weeks to several months.In 2022, when we experienced three heatwaves in as many months and temperatures exceeded 40C, a ban was introduced across parts of southern England and remained in place through the autumn after one of the driest summers on record. Could one be on the way this year?
It remains to be seen. Much depends on the next few weeks.
Currently, some rain is forecast in places through this Bank Holiday weekend, with a signal for an improvement as we go into the first couple of weeks of June.
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6 hours ago
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The Independent
9 hours ago
- The Independent
The areas of England that could face drought this year
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10 hours ago
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