In this article we look at the current and planned 2022 hosepipe bans and also look at what the restrictions mean for irrigating the garden. Generally the water companies will allow drip watering systems with a timer and also watering in newly planted turf and plants for 28 days.
What is a hose pipe?
Hosepipes are much more than what a gardener would normally think of as a hosepipe – in fact they consist of any pipe that can carry water. The official definition says:
A “hosepipe” means anything designed, adapted or used to serve the same purpose as a hosepipe. This means garden sprinklers and most irrigation systems, connected to the mains water supply, are all considered to be hosepipes, together with anything attached to them like pressure washers.
What can I water during a hose pipe ban?
You can water using a watering can. Normally you can also water using a drip watering system that is connected to a timer. This is at the discretion of each individual water company, so you need to check the precise wording for your water company – for example South East Water include the stipulation that there must be no surface run off, which others don’t.
By allowing drip watering, the garden borders can be watered using a drip irrigation line and pots and tubs can be watered using drippers that bring water to each individual pot or basket. An irrigation timer ensures the watering is not left on accidentally and also allows watering to be done early in the morning when temperatures a cooler and demand for water is lower.
Watering turf
The water companies are discouraging the laying of turf during the hot weather, but if it has to be laid then generally you can water it in with a sprinkler or hose for the first 28 days after laying. The best way of watering would be a temporary lawn watering systems connected to a timer to allow night time watering. Some of the water companies have a restriction as to when the system can operate.
Sports pitches
Sports pitches are a bit more complicated. If national or international championships are being hosted then the areas are permitted to be watered. Otherwise, the ‘key playing area’ such as cricket squares and golf greens can be watered under the Health and Safety exemption if they are in danger of being damaged, but not other areas such as the outfield or fairway. Again, some water companies impose restrictions as to when the watering can take place. It would be best to consult you local water company.
Grass Roofs
Only Yorkshire Water mentions grass roofs, but their FAQ allows watering of the grass roof due to the health and safety implications of letting the roof dry out.
Water Companies with Hosepipe bans
The following companies have hosepipe bans in force or planned.
Southern Water
Hosepipe ban start date: 5th August
Details of their restrictions can be found here: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/drought-restrictions
South East Water
Hosepipe ban start date: 12th August
Details of their restrictions can be found here: https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/about/updates/tubs
Thames Water
Hosepipe ban start date: 24th August
Details of their restrictions can be found here: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-restrictions
Welsh Water
Hosepipe ban start date: 19th August (Pembrokeshire)
Details of their restrictions can be found here: https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/drought
Here is a list of exemptions: https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/drought/exemptions
Yorkshire Water
Hosepipe ban start date: 26th August
Details of their restrictions can be found here: https://www.yorkshirewater.com/your-water/is-there-a-hosepipe-ban/
Hosepipe Ban Overview
Planned and current hosepipe base as of 16th August
Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only. Each Water Company introduces it’s own personalised Temporary Usage Ban, so it is important to check the situation in your area.
