Southern Water will enforce a hosepipe ban across 24 towns in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight starting one minute after midnight on Friday, July 10. The ban, prompted by prolonged dry weather and high temperatures, aims to prevent drought. According to the water company, rivers in the region are 25% lower than expected for this time of year.
Why the Ban Has Been Introduced
The ban follows a similar measure in nine regions of Kent last month, after temperatures exceeded 37°C, setting a new national record for June. Southern Water stated that the dry conditions have significantly reduced water supplies, necessitating restrictions to conserve resources. Households are prohibited from using hosepipes or sprinklers for watering plants, washing cars, or filling swimming and paddling pools. Breaking the rules can result in fines of up to £1,000.
Exemptions and Essential Uses
Despite the ban, several exemptions allow continued hosepipe use for essential purposes. These include individuals on the Priority Services Register and Blue Badge holders, as well as situations involving health and safety. The full list of exemptions is detailed below.
Permitted Hosepipe Uses
- Hosepipes connected to a water butt or other recycled water storage system can be used freely.
- Watering newly-laid turf for up to four weeks, if using a watering can is unfeasible.
- Watering young trees and saplings, if using a watering can is unfeasible.
- Watering domestic food crops or private allotments, if using a watering can is unfeasible.
- Watering plants, crops, fruits, and vegetables for commercial use, if using a watering can is unfeasible.
- Cleaning paths, patios, decking, and paved areas for health and safety reasons, according to The Association of Professional Landscapers.
- Drip or trickle irrigation systems fitted with a pressure reducing valve and timer can be used freely.
- Professional car washing by a business or automated car wash is allowed.
- Professional patio and path cleaning by a business is allowed.
- Artificial grass washing by a business is permitted.
- Tradespeople and builders can use hosepipes for essential tasks.
- Filling newly constructed permanent swimming pools or hot tubs.
- Filling pools for medical treatment, worship, or religious ornamental fountains.
- Essential purposes in motorhomes and camper vans, such as washing, drinking, and flushing toilets.
- Protecting the health and safety of animals, fish, and aquatic life, including filling ponds.
- When hosepipe use is unavoidable for health and safety, such as preventing disease spread.
- Individuals on the Priority Services Register with specific needs that make non-use challenging.
- Blue Badge holders.
Impact and Compliance
While the ban may be inconvenient, Southern Water emphasizes its importance in preventing drought. The company urges residents to comply and use water responsibly. Those found violating the ban face fines of up to £1,000. The exemptions aim to balance conservation with essential needs, ensuring vulnerable individuals and critical tasks are not adversely affected.
