A woman who accidentally used her hosepipe during a ban said she was left "shocked" by the "stern" reaction of her "busybody" neighbour. Wales and England are bracing for the fifth heatwave of the year this week, with drought gripping Wales and large parts of England, 23 million people facing hosepipe bans, and highs of 36C expected on Thursday.
Heatwave and Drought
In Wales, temperatures are expected to climb into the high 20s, peaking at 30C in the south, with north and mid-Wales also set to reach the high 20s, while the hottest weather is forecast for the south and east.
Scorched grass, withered plants and receding rivers show just how dry the UK has become. And while many will be tempted to get the hosepipe out, it's worth checking the rules — something one London resident learned the hard way.
Neighbour's Reaction
Sarah, from Uxbridge, didn't realise there was a ban in her area when she started using her hose. It led to her neighbour popping her head over the fence to ask for evidence that she was exempt.
She told The i Paper: "I was using my hose, but I genuinely hadn't realised it had come into force in our area, as this was the first or second day. I've stopped using it since. I know it's the right thing to do.
"But I was also quite shocked that she asked me for proof, and then was really stern with me. We've not lived here long and I sensed she was a busybody - now I know for sure."
Wales Drought Declaration
Late last month, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officially declared drought conditions across Wales after July delivered just 8 per cent of the rainfall the country would usually expect.
Hosepipe bans are in place for 33,000 properties across parts of Wales, including Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, barring people from everyday tasks such as watering gardens and washing cars.
They came into force from 10am on Sunday, July 19, to protect supplies, but Welsh Water previously insisted that they're a "temporary emergency measure" and will be in place "only for as long as they are needed".
Fines and Warnings
However, those who breach the rules risk a fine of up to £1,000. Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, said: "The intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in Wales.
"Our teams are closely monitoring forecasts and river flows and responding to increasing environmental concerns and incidents across Wales.
"The toll on the environment, our land and agriculture is clear to see, with many of our teams still dealing with the aftermath of extensive wildfires which have devastated forestry, grassland and special habitats.
"With no strong indications for notable rainfall in the forecasts, and risks of further heatwaves over the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all use water wisely. Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most."
