Latest news with #TemporaryUseBan
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
5 rules in a hosepipe ban that you must follow - or risk £1k fine
Seven million Brits are already facing hosepipe bans as temperatures soar to 30C in the UK's third heatwave this year - but what are the rules you must follow when faced with a ban? With hosepipe bans being rolled out across parts of the UK due to dwindling water supplies, millions of households are being urged to cut back on usage - or face hefty penalties. After the driest spring since 1893, as temperatures are forecast to peak at 34.7 °C in England, swathes of the country are suffering drought conditions and water shortages. It has left around seven million Brits facing a potential hosepipe ban, with South East Water already introducing bans in Kent and Sussex. South East Water will enforce its hosepipe ban on July 18, Yorkshire Water imposed its rules from yesterday (July 11). Both firms warned that reservoirs had struggled amidst the driest spring in over a century, while demand for water has only surged. Last night, Yorkshire Water explained: "While we're out 24/7 fixing leaks and looking after your water, we're asking customers to put down their hosepipes, so we can let our reservoirs recover. Our reservoir levels haven't actually increased since the last week of January! "Normally our groundwater sources and reservoirs get topped up over spring when the weather is changeable but this year we've had the driest spring on record and Yorkshire is officially in drought. The hosepipe restrictions allow us to apply for drought permits, so we can change how we're operating and further protect water supplies." Under the Temporary Use Ban (TUB), using a hosepipe for non-essential purposes could land you with a £1,000 fine. But what does that actually mean for your day-to-day routine? Here are five key rules to follow during a hosepipe ban. 1. Don't water your garden with a hosepipe It might be tempting to keep your flowers flourishing in the heat, but under a ban, using a hose to water gardens, plants or lawns is strictly prohibited. Instead, use a watering can filled from a tap. 2. Forget washing the car with a hose Washing vehicles with a hosepipe is off limits unless it's for health and safety reasons (such as cleaning a car for food transportation). If you must wash your car, a bucket and sponge are permitted. 3. Don't fill paddling pools or hot tubs Filling or topping up swimming pools, paddling pools, Jacuzzis and hot tubs with a hose is banned. This rule also applies to ornamental ponds and fountains. 4. No hosepipe cleaning for patios and driveways Using a hosepipe to clean patios, decking, driveways or outdoor furniture is also forbidden. Sweep up debris instead, or wait until restrictions are lifted. 5. Exemptions apply – but check first There are exceptions for certain groups, including those with mobility issues who rely on a hosepipe for daily tasks. Commercial use by businesses (like window cleaners) is also generally exempt - but it's crucial to check with your local water supplier. What happens if you break the rules? If you're caught breaching the ban, water companies can issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £1,000 under the Water Industry Act 1991. To stay safe, always check the specific guidance from your regional supplier, as rules and exemptions can vary slightly.
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Climate
- Leader Live
What are the rules for UK hosepipe bans? What you can't do
While you'll probably know what this means, it's important to know the rules so you can follow them. Here's everything we know about what you can and can't do during a hosepipe ban. On the government website, the Environment Agency blog shares the activities that can be banned during a hosepipe ban, also known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB). Yorkshire, it's time to put the hosepipes down for a bit. This will help our region's reservoir levels recover and protect Yorkshire's water resources throughout the summer months, following the driest spring for 132 years, which led to the region being declared in drought.… These activities include using a hosepipe to: The website adds: '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.' Recommended reading: Where is the hosepipe ban in the UK? How to check if it affects your area Can you use a watering can during a hosepipe ban? Temperatures set to soar Experts share 4 tips for avoiding a 'rat attack' in your garden or home Water companies are the only ones with the power to introduce a hosepipe ban. The government website explains: ' The company has to notify its customers ahead of a ban and will need to publish details on its website and in two newspapers that circulate in that area. 'A water company will have a drought plan that will outline how they implement TUBs.'
South Wales Guardian
4 days ago
- Climate
- South Wales Guardian
What are the rules for UK hosepipe bans? What you can't do
While you'll probably know what this means, it's important to know the rules so you can follow them. Here's everything we know about what you can and can't do during a hosepipe ban. On the government website, the Environment Agency blog shares the activities that can be banned during a hosepipe ban, also known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB). Yorkshire, it's time to put the hosepipes down for a bit. This will help our region's reservoir levels recover and protect Yorkshire's water resources throughout the summer months, following the driest spring for 132 years, which led to the region being declared in drought.… These activities include using a hosepipe to: The website adds: '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.' Recommended reading: Where is the hosepipe ban in the UK? How to check if it affects your area Can you use a watering can during a hosepipe ban? Temperatures set to soar Experts share 4 tips for avoiding a 'rat attack' in your garden or home Water companies are the only ones with the power to introduce a hosepipe ban. The government website explains: ' The company has to notify its customers ahead of a ban and will need to publish details on its website and in two newspapers that circulate in that area. 'A water company will have a drought plan that will outline how they implement TUBs.'
ITV News
22-05-2025
- Climate
- ITV News
Will there be a hosepipe ban in the UK?
It's been a remarkably dry few weeks - if not months. It's looking to be one of the driest springs on record, with rainfall well below average everywhere. 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 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.
