The hosepipe ban: some useful guidance

Due to an unusually dry 18 months, the south east of England and East Anglia are now in drought, and as  a result a hosepipe ban will be introduced by water companies in the coming weeks that will significantly restrict water usage.

When will the ban start?

All bans are due to commence on 5th April 2012 and will last indefinitely until the situation improves enough for restrictions to be lifted.

Who does it affect?

The ban will apply only in the south east of England and East Anglia. Seven water companies have indicated that they will impose hosepipe bans, which are Anglian Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water, Veolia Water South East and Veolia Water Central.

During the hosepipe ban water cannot be used for the following:
 

• watering a garden using a hosepipe (this includes areas of grass used for sport and recreation)
• cleaning a private motor vehicle using a hosepipe
• watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
• cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
• filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
• drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
• filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
• filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
• cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe
• cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
• cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.

Grass areas used for sport and recreation
'An area of grass used for sport and recreation' is included in the definition of a 'garden' for the purposes of the ban, so many of our members will be directly affected. Members will not be able to water pitches, lawns, greens or racetracks during the ban. Examples of sports that could be affected include football, cricket, rugby, bowls, golf and lawn tennis.

Are there any exemptions for sport?

Some water companies have introduced exemptions which are of relevance to sport. Click on the links below to see the exemptions  being made by your water supplier:

Anglian Water

Southern Water

South East Water

Sutton and East Surrey Water

Thames Water

Veolia Water South East

Veolia Water Central

For further clarification on exactly what will and won’t be prohibited you should contact the water supplier for your area.

Most commercial operations and businesses will be allowed to continue using hosepipes if they are integral to their requirements

It is worth noting that watering cans and buckets can be used during the ban. The ban extends to hosepipes, sprinklers or anything else attached to a mains water supply or tap.

What are the implications if the hosepipe ban is breached?

It is an offence to contravene the provisions of the ban and the maximum penalty for each offence is £1,000.

What can you do?

People are being encouraged to contact their water company before the bans come into force for further information or to put forward their case if they believe they ought to be exempt. Some useful tips on how to make a representation to water companies are available from the Institute of Groundsmanship.

National Governing Bodies and sports clubs will find plenty of hints and tips on the Waterwise website, as well as on the websites of your local water suppliers.

For further information

• In the first instance, you are best advised to contact your local water provider for additional information on how the ban will operate in your area.
• The full text of the legislation in its entirety can be found here.
• Get in touch with the Alliance if you are concerned about how the ban will impact your sport by emailing David Foster.
   

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