Following weeks of exceptionally dry weather and very little rainfall, millions of households across the UK are now under a hosepipe ban.
Thames Water has announced customers will face a ban, officially known as a temporary use ban (TUB), which will come into effect on Thursday. South East Water also contacted households yesterday to inform them of a hosepipe ban for non-essential use. This includes people living in parts of Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.During the ban, households will not be permitted to use a hosepipe for filling paddling pools, washing cars, filling ponds, watering plants, or cleaning household items such as patios.
There are some exemptions in place, but check your local water company's website for more details.
"We would not be taking this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment," says Nevil Muncaster, director of strategic water resources at Thames Water.
"While there is enough water for essential use, we need to reduce non-essential outdoor demand to keep taps flowing.
"Many customers have already reduced their water use and that support has made a difference. Thank you to everyone who has already changed their daily habits."
Why do we have hosepipe bans?
Hosepipe bans occur following a lack of rainfall and extreme temperatures. They are put in place by water companies to manage water supplies during periods of drought, and are focused on non-essential water usage such as watering gardens, washing cars, and filling paddling pools.
Households that break the ban could end up facing fines of £1,000.
Other ways to water your garden include utilising grey water (from baths, sinks, and washing-up), using cans and buckets, or collecting rainwater in a water butt to avoid reliance on mains water.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
