With parts of the country set for another heatwave there’s a temptation to drench the garden and fill up the paddling pool.
But more than 8.5 million people are currently still under a hosepipe ban, which also covers sprinklers and other types of non-commercial irrigation.
South East Water, Southern Water, Thames Water and Yorkshire Water have all brought in the restrictions due to the lack of rain in recent months and spells of hot weather this summer.
Temperatures reached around 29C today in London, the south east and the midlands today and according to the Met Office are set to rise to a sweltering 34C tomorrow.
It should then drop a little for the rest of the week but remain between around 27C and 30C.
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Western and northern England, Wales and Southern Scotland will see slightly cooler, but still pretty balmy temperatures in the mid to late 20s, while northern Ireland and northern Scotland should expect temperatures from around 18 to 25.
Is there a hosepipe ban in my area? Current UK locations
Thames Water
Thames Water started its hosepipe ban on July 22, with customers in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire affected, specifically those under the postcodes OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8 and RG9.
It said the length of the ban would depend on the weather.
‘Although our customers’ help in using water wisely will also be vital,’ it added.
‘We need prolonged and significant rainfall. We’ll be carefully keeping a close eye on our water levels and will let you know when the ban can be lifted. ’
South East Water
South East Water’s ban kicked off on July 18, impacting customers in Kent and Sussex. It currently does not affect the company’s customers in Berkshire and Hampshire.
On its website, the firm said the ban is likely to continue until it is ‘confident that the demand for water has reduced back to manageable levels’
‘We will keep the position under constant review,’ it added. ‘This really is just a temporary measure to help us in these very unusual circumstances.’
Southern Water
Southern Water introduced a ban on July 21 with residents across Hampshire and Isle of Wight impacted.
Southern Water said on its website: ‘We’ll remove the hosepipe ban as soon as we can, but this can only happen when there’s enough water in our reservoirs, rivers and underground aquifers to meet demand.’
Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water put a hosepipe ban in place on July 11, with five million customers affected.
The ban covers West Yorkshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire, part of North Lincolnshire, most of North Yorkshire and part of Derbyshire.
It only affects those who get their mains water supply from Yorkshire Water and not residents who only have their waste water managed by the firm.
Yorkshire Water said on its website ‘restrictions would need to be in place until we receive significant rainfall, and our reservoir levels return to a situation much closer to normal’.
Are watering cans allowed during a hosepipe ban?
Yes you can still use a watering can to water your garden despite the ban.
Can I water my allotment during a hosepipe ban?
If it’s not possible to water food crops on an allotment or garden with a watering can, then you can use a hosepipe.
This does not apply to flowers or plants, even if growing on an allotment.
Can I wash my car with a hosepipe during a ban?
No, you’ll need to use a bucket and sponge.
Are some people or situations exempt from the hosepipe ban?
Yes, some people and situations are exempt from the ban, for example using a hosepipe is generally allowed to water a newly laid lawn for the first 28 days and to fill ponds with fish.
To see a full list of exemptions check your water company’s website.
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