Homeowners in parts of England are being warned that using a hosepipe for outdoor cleaning could result in a £1,000 fine as a temporary hosepipe ban is widened from July 25. The ban, imposed by South East Water, now covers 2.4 million people across the south of England, including parts of Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, and Berkshire, totaling 1.5 million customers. Parts of Kent have been under a ban since July 3 due to hot weather and declining river levels. Other affected areas include Lincolnshire, Essex, the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, and parts of north and west London.
Common Mistake Could Lead to Fine
Ryan Gorenflo, home improvement expert at The Basement Doctor, highlighted that many homeowners mistakenly believe hosepipe bans only apply to watering lawns. He said: "A lot of people hear 'hosepipe ban' and immediately think about grass and flower beds, but outdoor cleaning is where homeowners can easily get caught out. Washing a patio, driveway, wall, window or car with a hose may feel like basic home maintenance, but if your area is under restrictions, that simple job could put you at risk of a fine."
How to Avoid a Fine
Gorenflo advised homeowners to switch to lower-water methods where possible. For patios and driveways, this includes brushing away debris first, spot-cleaning stains, using a bucket where allowed, and leaving non-urgent washing until restrictions ease. He said: "Start dry before you use any water. A stiff broom can remove a lot of dust, leaves and loose dirt from patios, paths and driveways. Then only treat the areas that actually need cleaning rather than soaking the whole surface. If water is allowed, use a bucket or watering can rather than a hose, but always check your local supplier's rules first."
Full List of Affected Areas
As of the time of writing, the following areas are affected by the hosepipe ban: Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, parts of north and west London, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, parts of Essex, Kent, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Cambridge. Homeowners are urged to check their water supplier's rules for their specific postcode, as restrictions and exemptions can vary.
