As temperatures sky-rocket in the UK to record-breaking highs, many gardeners will be tackling drought in their gardens. The UK recorded a temperature of 40.2 degrees celsius today at Heathrow, breaking the previous record of 38.7 degrees recorded in Cambridge in July 2019.
Hosepipe ban
Is there a hosepipe ban in the UK?
No, as of 19 July 2022 there is no hosepipe ban imposed on any part of the UK. However, according to Hosepipe Ban, many water companies are asking customers to be careful with how they use water.
Why is there no hosepipe ban in the UK right now?
Water companies keep track of how much water they have in reserve against how much water people are using in order to track whether bans will be necessary. Hosepipe Ban have cited Environment Agency data and said that ‘water stocks are currently at healthy levels for this time of year’, summarising that ‘the prospect of a hosepipe ban in 2022 is vey unlikely.’ So, as water levels are currently not dangerously low, water companies haven’t felt the need to impose any bans.
What is a hosepipe ban?
A hosepipe ban is a ban on using excessive water due to water shortage. Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, during a water shortage utility companies may prohibit the following uses of water:
-
watering a garden using a hosepipe
-
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
During a hosepipe ban you can still water your garden with the use of a watering can. If you break the rules of a ban though, you could face a hefty fine of up to £1000.
How much water does a hosepipe use?
Every ten minutes, the average hosepipe will use 170 litres of water. According to Southern Water, a sprinkler can use as much water in one hour as a family of four in a whole day. So even if there isn’t a hosepipe ban, cutting down on automated watering systems in the garden can be a good idea and be better environmentally.
Other ways to water the garden
Watering the garden can be done using a watering can, especially if you have lots of things in pots. This means you can give specific plants the optimum amount of water instead of giving the garden a general soak. It’s also a good idea to collect rain water in water butts. This saves on using mains water, it’s good for the environment and plants often prefer rainwater.
Click here for more info on when to water plants in hot weather.