Hosepipe ban exceptions: FAQs

The hosepipe ban covers anything that connects to the mains supply. It applies to sprinklers, irrigation systems and pressure washers as well as to hosepipes. The hosepipe ban does not apply if:

• You are on our Priority Services Register and unable to make reasonable adjustments due to a health condition or disability

• You are a Blue Badge holder

• You receive support through our WaterSure Plus tariff

• You need to protect human health and safety

• You need the water for animal welfare, including pets, livestock and fish

The water you’re using is not from the mains supply (it’s taken from a water butt or other recycled water storage system). 

Do not use a hosepipe to water your garden, including lawns, grass verges, allotments and other green spaces.

You can water:

• Trees, hedges and saplings planted within the last planting season, where watering with a watering can is not feasible

• Turf that has been laid within the last 28 days

• Newly-bought plants for the first 14 days after purchase

• Food crops grown at home or at a private allotment, where using a watering can is not feasible

• Sports pitches and surfaces where watering is necessary, so long as watering takes place outside of the peak hours of 8-10am and 5-9pm

• Using an irrigation system that drips or trickles, with a time and pressure-reducing valve and that deliver water directly to soil

• There is no restriction on using a watering can in your garden. Watering is most efficient if done at a cooler time of day – early morning or late evening.

Do not use a hosepipe to fill or top up a garden pond, water feature or fountain.

You can use a hosepipe if:

• You need to fill a pond to keep fish or other aquatic animals healthy

• Where a pond or pool is used as part of a recognised religious practice

• You need to fill an ornamental fountain if it is needed to supply oxygen to fish

Do not use a hosepipe to fill or top up a garden pond, water feature or fountain.   You can use a hosepipe if:

You can fill a pool, paddling pool or hot tub if:

• It is needed for medical or veterinary treatment or animal welfare

• The pool is designed for medical or therapeutic use

• A pool is under construction and needs to be filled as part of its construction

• A pool is used as part of a religious ceremony in a place of worship or community setting

You use a bucket or other container to fill the pool, or it is filled using a water recycling system that does not use mains water.  

Don’t use a hosepipe to wash a private car, van, caravan, trailer, motorcycle or other vehicle.

You can use a hosepipe if you are:

• Cleaning a vehicle as part of a private business, for example a car wash

• The vehicle is used for public services, business purposes or transporting goods

• The vehicle is a taxi, commercial vehicle or goods vehicle.

We would ask that people consider washing with a bucket and sponge rather than a hosepipe wherever possible.

You should not use a hosepipe to clean your caravan or motorhome unless it is used as part of a private business or public service.

You can use a hosepipe to:

• Fill a water tank in a caravan or motorhome where it’s needed for essential washing, cooking and sanitation.

You must not use a hosepipe to clean your home’s exterior, including windows, walls, paths, patios, driveways, astroturf and other surfaces.

You can use a hosepipe if you are cleaning:

• As part of a professional service or business.  

You must not use a hosepipe to clean a private leisure boat.

You can use a hosepipe if you:

• Are cleaning it as part of a business or professional service

• Are cleaning it to prevent the spread of non-native/invasive species

• Are removing graffiti

• The boat is used for commercial activity or public services

• You are cleaning the inside of the boat  

You must not use a hose to water plants at home or at non-commercial properties.

You can use a hosepipe for:

• Commercial growing of crops, fruit, vegetables and plants that are grown for sale

• National Plant Collections

• Temporary flower or garden displays that are public

• An irrigation system that drips or trickles, with a time and pressure-reducing valve and that delivers water directly to soil.

You can still use watering cans and fixed watering systems that do not use a hosepipe. 

We understand that some customers may need to use a hosepipe because of medical needs, a disability or other personal circumstances. These customers may be exempt from the hosepipe ban.

This includes customers who:

• Hold a Blue Badge

• Are registered on our Priority Services Register (PSR) for medical or mobility reasons

• Receive support through our WaterSure Plus tariff

If you can avoid using a hosepipe, we would appreciate your support in helping to reduce demand. However, we recognise that some customers may rely on a hosepipe for essential needs.

The PSR is a free service that provides extra support to customers who may need additional help because of their age, health, disability or personal circumstances.

By joining the PSR, you can let us know about any specific needs you may have so we can provide the right support and keep you informed during events that may affect your water supply.

If you’re registered for our PSR, we can prioritise support and communication during periods of high demand or supply challenges.

For more information on the PSR click here.