What You Can & Can’t Do in a Hosepipe Ban

Hosepipe Ban: Rules & Regulations

Hosepipe bans are becoming more frequent in the summer months in the UK. Dry spells can affect the availability of water, and using our hosepipes is often discouraged.

But not being able to use a hosepipe can actually have an effect on many of the tasks we are used to doing, not just watering our lawns.

From being unable to clean our cars with a pressure washer to not being able to fill up a paddling pool, below is a guide to some of the things we can and can’t do during a hosepipe ban.

It’s worth mentioning that local authorities and different water companies can have different rules, so always check with the company imposing the ban.

 

What you can do in a hosepipe ban

1. Water newly laid turf

Some councils will allow turf which has been laid in the past 28 days to be watered daily during a hosepipe ban.

If you have recently laid new turf, you’re probably aware of the importance of regular watering. This helps the turf roots to bed into the soil, and the turf to recover from having been rolled and now laid flat.

If you don’t water new turf, it will eventually turn yellow and brown, and die. There is currently encouragement to switch back to grass rather than plastic artificial grass, so councils can allow you to use a hosepipe to water new lawn.

Check with your local authority first. There may be restrictions, such as only using the hosepipe outside of peak hours (8am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm).

If you’re planning on laying new turf at some point in the year, it could be worth collecting and storing water in preparation first.

 

2. Use collected or ‘grey’ water

Often, hosepipes are allowed if you’re using water collected from a water butt or wastewater from baths/showers.

Water not from the mains supply, such as from wells and ponds, is also usually allowed.

 

3. Use a hosepipe if it is for business purposes

Hosepipes may be used if you can prove it is not for recreational use and is instead part of your business. You may need to apply for an exemption from the local council.

Business use may be:

• Watering crops which will be sold
• Cleaning cars and other vehicles
• Washing windows
• Watering temporary local flower displays
• Graffiti removal
• Cleaning areas for animal or human health & safety, such as limiting the spread of disease
• Watering grass used for sports and recreation

You may also be able to apply for an exemption if your crops are being grown for personal use, and watering cannot be done by watering can. This is usually regarding private allotments and applies to food crops only.

 

What can’t I do in a hosepipe ban?

1. Use hosepipes or similar connected to mains taps

Hosepipes, sprinklers, and automatic irrigation systems are all a no. They can be seen as wasting water as it doesn’t always go to the areas required.

 

2. Use a pressure washer

Pressure washers usually must be connected to mains hoses to work. This rules them out, too.

Pressure washers are commonly used to clean patios and other artificial outdoor surfaces, clean cars, and clear out guttering. They’re really handy appliances to hire when you need them and can actually save water versus using a bucket or similar, as the force of the water gets the job done quicker.

They can be connected to a water butt tap or similar, but you need to ensure the pressure washer can collect the water sufficiently.

Hold off doing the above jobs for now, but it is worth reading up on what to do and how to do them for when the hosepipe ban is lifted, and autumn arrives.

You can hire pressure washers from Speedy when you need them.

 

3. Fill a paddling pool

Paddling pools, swimming pools, and similar, cannot be filled using a hosepipe. You may need to adapt and find another solution to keeping cool instead.

Some councils will allow you to use a bucket to fill them up but encourage limiting how much water is used.

If you do have a paddling pool already filled, try to use the water, or collect it rather than pouring it away.

The only exception is if you have a pool, pond, or ornamental fountain that is used to keep fish or if a pool is used for medical reasons (for both humans and animals). Prior permission must be agreed upon.

 

The stages of drought

There are 5 stages of drought and hosepipe restrictions:

• No restrictions
• Prior to restrictions
• Temporary use ban
• Drought order restrictions
• Restrictions lifted

Most of the above applies to when there is a temporary hosepipe ban. If drought order restrictions are brought in, the list of restrictions may increase.

 

How can I water my garden in a hosepipe ban?

If you can’t use a hose, you’re often still allowed to use other water sources, such as watering cans or buckets filled from mains taps.

The reason hosepipes are often ruled out is because water can easily be wasted during use, rather than going where it is needed.

A ban is legally binding, so using a hosepipe without prior permission from your local council can result in fines of around £1,000.

 

 

TOOL HIRE FROM SPEEDY

You’ll find all the power tools and hire equipment you need for your DIY task right here. Why not start planning your next project and open a Speedy account online or visit us instore for all your tool hire needs.

Speedy has more than 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery. It has never been easier to hire the tools and equipment you need.

 

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