Temporary Use Bans on Water (Hosepipe Bans)

Yorkshire Water has just announced its intention to introduce a temporary use ban (hosepipe ban) with effect from 11th July 2025.

According to the company, the ban is necessary to help conserve water supplies and protect the environment.

It follows the region experiencing its driest spring for 132 years, with a paltry 15 cm of rain falling between February and June - less than half the normal amount.

The company's reservoirs are said to hold a quarter less water than they normally would at this time of the year.

Yorkshire Water, as a statutory water undertaker, is permitted to make such an order by virtue of section 76 of the Water Industry Act 1991. The Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order 2010, provides supplementary information to be read in conjunction with section 76.

A prohibition imposed under section 76 can include the following:

(a) watering a garden using a hosepipe;

(b) cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe;

(c) watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe;

(d) cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe;

(e) filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool;

(f) drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use;

(g) filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe;

(h) filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain;

(i) cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe;

(j) cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe;

(k) cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.

A prohibition only includes the use of hosepipes. Watering cans, buckets and other portable containers can still be used for the purposes listed above, as long as a hose is not used to draw water from them.

The prohibition does not apply in the case of cleansing for a health and safety purpose; nor does it apply in the case of the maintenance of a pond containing fish.

Contravention of the prohibition is an offence under section 76(5), which has a maximum sentence on summary conviction of a fine at level 3 (£1,000).

A water undertaker who imposes a prohibition must make arrangements for a reasonable reduction of charges which are made in respect of prohibited uses (including arrangements for repayment or credit where charges are paid in advance).