Hosepipe ban FAQs

A hosepipe ban means you must not use a hosepipe for non-essential water use, including:

• watering gardens, including using a sprinkler or irrigation system
• filling paddling pools, hot tubs, swimming pools, ponds or fountains
• washing cars, patios, driveways or windows with a hosepipe.

However, there are some exceptions to the ban, for example where water is being used by a business or where customers are on our Priority Services Register, receive support from our WaterSure Plus tariff or have a Blue Badge. Even if you are exempt from the ban, we’d ask you to be careful with water to help safeguard supplies.

You can search our FAQs for more information on exceptions. 

The hosepipe ban applies to all Bristol Water household customers.

We have seen a prolonged period of dry weather, low river levels and significantly below average rainfall. Along with continued high demand for water this continues to place increasing pressure on both water supplies for customers and the health of river systems and wildlife habitats.

The decision follows the UK’s fifth heatwave of the year and one of the driest periods in recent years, which led to the Environment Agency declaring over 70% of England, including Bristol, in drought.

During such periods of dry weather, Bristol Water takes over half of its water from river sources, including the River Severn via the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, to help manage reservoir levels.

The drought conditions have resulted in a significant impact to the River Severn, one of its major sources, leading to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales applying for a drought order to protect this essential water source.

As a result, Bristol Water must act responsibly and is working closely with both agencies to support this vital natural water environment.

Our teams have been working around the clock to maintain reliable water supplies for customers across the region. This includes: 

• Maximising water treatment works production 

• Moving water around the network to where it is needed most 

• Increasing leak detection and repairs 

• Deploying additional resources to protect supplies.

We understand customers want to know when restrictions will end, but it's not possible to provide an exact timeframe.

The ban will remain in effect until water resources have recovered sufficiently and we're confident supplies are back to normal. We'll keep customers updated throughout and will lift the restrictions as soon as conditions allow.

You can:

• Use water for things like drinking, cooking, showering and washing your clothes

• Use a watering can or bucket

• Wash your car at a commercial car wash

We’ll keep customers updated through our website, social media, and direct communications where appropriate. We’ll provide regular updates on the situation, any changes to restrictions, and practical advice on how customers can save water. 

No, the hosepipe ban does not entitle customers to a reduction in their water bill. However, if you use less water during this period, you may see a lower bill if your property is metered.

We understand customers may have questions about this. Your bill and the hosepipe ban are linked to different things.

Bills reflect the investment needed to maintain and improve our water and wastewater services, including making our network more resilient, reducing leaks, protecting the environment and improving customer support.  

We’re investing in areas that matter most to customers, including:

• Finding and fixing more leaks through improvements to our network and increased monitoring

• Making our water supplies more resilient for the future

• Reducing our impact on rivers and the environment

• Providing additional support for customers who need it most.

The hosepipe ban is a short-term measure. It helps reduce non-essential water use so we can continue to provide reliable supplies for essential needs such as drinking, cooking, washing and sanitation.

By using water wisely during this period, customers can help us maintain supplies while we continue investing in improvements for the future.

There are many ways you can use water wisely. Visit our webpage for useful tips: Every Drop

The hosepipe ban is intended to reduce demand during periods when water use is exceptionally high. Reducing non-essential water use helps ensure there is enough treated drinking water available for everyone.

Not all hosepipe use is restricted during a hosepipe ban.

For example, exceptions to the hosepipe ban apply for essential activities, business operations, or where customers have additional needs.

If you believe someone is using a hosepipe in a way that is not permitted under the hosepipe ban, you can report it to us.

Please remember that some permitted uses may not always be obvious, so we ask customers to check the exceptions before contacting us.

We have more than doubled the number of leak detection workers and repair teams working around the clock to repair leaks in the area, preventing around 3.5 million litres of water loss a day.