Where are hosepipe bans – and is my small business exempt?

A new hosepipe ban has been introduced by Essex and Suffolk Water following a summer of intense heat and prolonged dry weather. 

The latest ban affects south Essex, east London, and parts of Suffolk and Norfolk. 

This follows hosepipe bans already in place for areas covered by nine water companies in England and Wales.  

Small business owners may be wondering how the hosepipe ban will impact their business. And with one water company considering a non-essential use ban, what could this mean for businesses?

What areas have a hosepipe ban?

Also known as a temporary use ban (TUB), the Essex and Suffolk Water hosepipe ban is in place from 3 August. 

Hosepipe bans have also been introduced by other water companies across England and Wales since the start of July and August. 

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.

Hosepipe bans are determined by postcode, but the table below indicates the areas affected by current restrictions.

Water company	Date hosepipe ban introduced	Areas affected
South East Water	3 July	Parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire
Southern Water	10 July	Parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
South East Water	11 July	Parts of Kent and Sussex
Affinity Water	17 July	Central region, covering Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London and Essex
Cambridge Water	17 July	All Cambridge Water households
Welsh Water	19 July	Parts of west Wales
Thames Water	24 July	All Thames Water households
Essex and Suffolk Water	3 August	All Essex and Suffolk Water households

Southern Water introduced a hosepipe ban for people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on 10 July after drought was declared by the Environment Agency. 

Southern Water is also applying for a Non-Essential Use Ban (NEUB). If successful, this could impact how businesses can use water in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  

What are non-essential use bans (NEUB)?

A non-essential use ban (NEUB) is a further restriction that limits how businesses can use water. 

A water company can apply for a NEUB if there’s a serious concern about water supplies. 

Southern Water considers a NEUB

Southern Water has applied to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs for a Drought Order and NEUB in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

This is being consulted on between 4 August and 11 August. 

If a NEUB comes into place for your area, businesses must stop using water for activities including watering outdoor plants on commercial premises, operating a mechanical vehicle washer, and cleaning non-domestic premises. Read the full list on the Ofwat website. 

Currently there are no NEUBs active in the UK.

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.

However water companies are working closely with businesses in many areas to reduce their water usage where possible. 

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:

• Affinity Water
• Anglian Water
• Cambridge Water 
• Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
• Essex & Suffolk Water
• South East Water 
• Southern Water 
• South West Water
• Thames Water

It’s best to check directly with your water company to find out if your postcode is affected by a hosepipe ban.

In England, there are seven areas that are now in drought, according to the Environment Agency.

• East Anglia   
• Hertfordshire and the whole of London   
• Thames Valley   
• Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
• Devon & Cornwall   
• The West Midlands   
• Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire)

Most of the rest of England is in a state of prolonged dry weather, which is the stage before an official drought. Just Yorkshire and the North East remain in normal status. 

Hosepipe bans are 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. 

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