Strategies for Irrigating Plants During Water Restrictions by Hosepipe
In times of prolonged dry spells and drought conditions, water companies in the UK may impose hosepipe bans to conserve water. Here's a guide to help you navigate these restrictions.
During a hosepipe ban, it is illegal to use a hosepipe for non-essential water activities. This includes watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning paths, patios, walls, windows, or filling paddling pools, hot tubs, and swimming pools. Instead, you are encouraged to use a watering can or bucket for watering plants.
However, there are exceptions to the rule. Customers on the Priority Services Register are exempt from hosepipe bans. Additionally, the use of an irrigation system that involves drip or trickle irrigation only, with a pressure reducing valve and a timer, is also permitted.
Commercial activities that depend on water, like garden centers or commercial car washes, are typically exempt from the ban. You can still wash your car, but only at commercial car washes during a hosepipe ban.
The ban remains in place until water companies have sufficient rainfall and reservoir levels improve to meet demand without restrictions. Notifications are made by water suppliers when bans are lifted.
Key rules during a hosepipe ban include:
- You must not use a hosepipe to:
- Water gardens or plants on domestic or non-commercial premises
- Fill or maintain paddling pools, hot tubs, or swimming pools
- Wash private motor vehicles
- Clean patios, paths, walls, or windows
- Fill or maintain ponds or ornamental fountains
- Use sprinklers, pressure washers, or spray guns
- Permitted alternatives:
- Watering can or bucket usage for plants and gardens
- Washing cars only at commercial car washes
- Use of hosepipes for commercial purposes directly related to a business where water is essential (e.g., garden centers)
To check if a hosepipe ban is in force in your area, contact your local water company. You can find their details on your utility bill or by using a list of UK water companies.
During a hosepipe ban, some activities are still permitted, such as watering crops, recently planted trees and shrubs, and newly laid lawns. Using a watering can or bucket filled from a mains water tap is also permitted.
If you feel vulnerable and are not on the Priority Services Register, apply as soon as possible. Using a hose connected to a water butt, well, or borehole is also permitted during a hosepipe ban. Utilising collected rainwater is an effective way to water plants during a drought.
By following these guidelines, we can all help conserve water during dry periods and contribute to a more sustainable future.
In a hosepipe ban, it's prohibited to use watering gardens or plants, fill paddling pools, or wash cars with a hosepipe. However, using a watering can or bucket for watering plants is encouraged. Additionally, commercial car washes remain operational during hosepipe bans, allowing car washing.
