When the weather gets very hot and dry for long periods, water companies may need to introduce restrictions to help manage water supplies. While there’s still enough water for drinking, washing and other essential needs, these measures help reduce demand during challenging times.
What is a hosepipe ban?
A hosepipe ban (officially called a Temporary Use Ban or TUB) is the most common water restriction you might face as a household. It’s exactly what it sounds like: you can’t use a hosepipe for activities like:
- Watering your garden
- Filling a paddling pool
- Washing your car
You can still water your plants and clean your car, but you’ll need to use a watering can or bucket instead of a hosepipe. These restrictions exist because hosepipes use large amounts of water, often for non-essential purposes.
If you break the rules during a hosepipe ban, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
A full list of restrictions during a TUB can be found in the Water Industry Act 1991, Section 76.
What is a non-essential use ban or NEUB?
A non-essential use ban (NEUB) is a more serious step that water companies can take if dry conditions continue after a hosepipe ban has been introduced. While hosepipe bans mainly affect households, NEUBs specifically target businesses.
Businesses use around a third of all water supplied in the UK, so restrictions on commercial water use can make a significant difference to overall demand.
If a NEUB is put in place, businesses must stop using water for the following activities:
- Watering outdoor plants on commercial premises
- Filling or maintaining a non-domestic swimming pool or paddling pool
- Filling or maintaining a pond
- Operating a mechanical vehicle washer
- Cleaning any vehicle, boat, aircraft or railway rolling stock
- Cleaning non-domestic premises
- Cleaning windows on non-domestic
- Cleaning industrial plant
- Suppressing dust
- Operating cisterns on unoccupied buildings
More information on these restrictions can be found in The Drought Direction 2011.
Why are water restrictions needed?
We can’t always rely on regular rainfall to maintain our water resources, especially during extended hot and dry periods.
Water companies need to balance supply and demand carefully. These restrictions help maintain enough water for essential daily needs, support crucial economic activities like agriculture and protect the environment during drought conditions.
How to save water during restrictions
Whether you’re a household or business, you can help prevent the need for restrictions by using water wisely:
For everyone:
- Fix leaks promptly – even small drips add up
- Take shorter showers instead of baths
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
- Turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes
Some water customers who are on the Priority Service Register (PSR) may be able to get some help from their water company. Please contact your water company directly for more information.
For businesses:
- Check for leaks regularly
- Monitor your water meter readings to spot unexpected increases
- Avoid non-essential water use like decorative fountains or unnecessary cleaning
- Only clean vehicles when essential for safety (windscreens, lights, number plates)
A wide range of practical ideas to save water are available on our dedicated page: water saving tips.
Preventing water restrictions in the future
No one wants water restrictions, but they play a vital role during drought periods. By following these measures and using water thoughtfully all year round, we can all help ensure there’s enough water for everyone’s essential needs while protecting our environment for the future.
Your water company can provide specific advice about water saving measures and will notify customers if any restrictions are being introduced in your area.
Find out more at Drought – Ofwat.