A hosepipe ban has been announced by Southern Water and is set to affect people across large parts of Hampshire and all of the Isle of Wight.
This follows hosepipe bans already in place for areas covered by Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and South East Water.
Small business owners may be wondering how the hosepipe ban will impact their business. And with heatwaves sweeping across most of the UK, are any other areas at risk of a hosepipe ban too?
When is the hosepipe ban?
Also known as a temporary use ban (TUB), the Southern Water hosepipe ban is in place from 21 July.
A hosepipe ban for Yorkshire came in on 11 July after the region had less than half the expected rainfall in spring.
According to Yorkshire Water, reservoirs are only 55 per cent full and action must be taken to protect their water supply. Check if Yorkshire Water is your supplier if you’re not sure.
Hosepipe bans will also be enforced on 18 July for households across Kent and Sussex, following an announcement from South East Water.
And from 22 July, the Thames Water hosepipe ban will come into force, affecting people in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Wiltshire.
The temporary restrictions stop people from using a hosepipe to water gardens and plants, clean cars, wash windows, and fill paddling pools.
Not following the rules can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
Is my business exempt from the hosepipe ban?
The ban only applies to domestic use, so businesses are exempt from the hosepipe ban as long as the use is for commercial reasons.
If you use a hosepipe as part of your business services to customers, you’re still allowed to use it, even during the temporary use ban.
Hosepipe ban exemptions
You can use a hosepipe for your business if you’re:
- watering a garden or land that’s used by a business for growing any crops, fruits, vegetables, or other plants for sale or commercial use
- providing cleaning as a service to customers, including cleaning private leisure boats, windows, paths, and patios
- washing taxis, goods vehicles, or commercial vehicles
- filling or maintaining a water fountain if it’s used for recognised religious practices
- filling or maintaining a domestic pond when it’s for the welfare of the fish or aquatic animals in the pond
- cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces – if it’s part of a service to customers
Is there a hosepipe ban in my area?
Hosepipe bans have been announced by the following water companies:
- Yorkshire Water (11 July)
- South East Water (18 July)
- Southern Water (21 July)
- Thames Water (22 July)
It’s best to check directly with your water company to find out if your postcode is affected by a hosepipe ban.
In England, the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, and Yorkshire are in drought, according to the Environment Agency.
Most of the rest of England is in a state of prolonged dry weather, which is the stage before an official drought.
A hosepipe ban is enforced differently across the country, and the rules and restrictions can vary. If you’re not sure about anything then it’s best to contact your water company.
Small business news and guides
- Is the Fair Payment Code helping small businesses?
- Best small business ideas
- Four scams that target small businesses
- Can HMRC check your bank account without your permission?
Ready to set up your cover?
As one of the UK’s biggest business insurance providers, we specialise in public liability insurance and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?