Is There a Hosepipe Ban in Yorkshire?

Introduction

Amid one of the driest and warmest springs on record, Yorkshire Water has introduced a hosepipe ban—formally a Temporary Use Ban (TUB)—across much of Yorkshire. From Friday 11 July 2025, customers supplied by Yorkshire Water must cease using mains-connected hoses for non-essential outdoor activities. This guide explains where and when the ban applies, what’s allowed and prohibited, exemptions, and how to adapt to keep your garden thriving without breaching the restrictions.

1. Current Status of the Ban

Start date: 00:01, Friday 11 July 2025.
Area covered: All premises receiving clean-water supply from Yorkshire Water, including domestic and non-household customers (yorkshirewater.com).
Reason: Yorkshire recorded just 15 cm of rainfall from February to June—the driest spring in 132 years—and reservoir levels plunged to 55.8% capacity (thetimes.co.uk).

2. Why the Ban Was Needed

Historic drought: Record-low spring rainfall combined with early summer heatwaves sharply reduced river flows and reservoir stocks.
Supply security: The ban helps conserve drinking water for essential indoor uses and prevents over-abstraction that could harm ecosystems.
Regulatory action: Declared drought status by the Environment Agency in June 2025 triggered the TUB under Yorkshire Water’s approved Drought Plan (yorkshirewater.com).

3. Legal Basis

Water Resources Act 1991 & Flood and Water Management Act 2010: Empower the Environment Agency to authorize Temporary Use Bans (TUBs).
Yorkshire Water’s Drought Plan: Details threshold triggers, notification procedures, and enforcement powers (Section 76 notices and fines up to £1,000).

4. Prohibited Activities

Under the ban, it is illegal to use a mains-connected hosepipe for:

Watering domestic or allotment gardens, lawns, and plants
Filling or topping up paddling pools, hot tubs, and swimming pools
Washing private vehicles, boats, and caravans
Cleaning paths, patios, driveways, walls, or windows with a hosepipe (yorkshirewater.com)

5. Permitted and Essential Uses

You may continue to use mains water without a hosepipe for:

Hand-watering using buckets or watering cans filled at the tap
Filling containers fed by stored water (rain barrels, greywater systems)
Domestic indoor uses: drinking, bathing, cooking, and flushing toilets
Livestock watering, firefighting, and medical or health-related needs
Commercial purposes where a permit exemption applies (e.g., nurseries irrigating food crops) (yorkshirewater.com)

6. Exemptions

Yorkshire Water grants exemptions to:

Blue Badge holders and Priority Services Register customers with medical or mobility needs
Non-household (NAV) customers supplied via third-party networks—check directly with your NAV provider
Essential commercial users under Temporary Exemption Permits for activities that cannot pause without undue hardship (yorkshirewater.com)

7. Alternative Water Sources

Rainwater harvesting: Fit water butts (200–500 L) or larger tanks (1,000–5,000 L) under downpipes.
Greywater reuse: Redirect shower and laundry rinse water (free of harsh detergents) via diverters into sub-surface irrigation.
Private boreholes/wells: Exempt from TUBs, but quality testing is advised for edible use.
Bulk deliveries: Tanker-supplied water for large-scale needs (e.g., sports fields, nurseries).

8. Water-Saving Tips

Mulch beds with 5–8 cm of straw or wood chips to cut evaporation up to 75 %.
Drip irrigation from stored water focuses moisture at the roots.
Water at dawn or dusk to minimize losses.
Plant drought-tolerant species (rosemary, sedums, grasses).
Fix leaks promptly—a dripping tap can waste thousands of liters monthly.

9. Monitoring and Updates

Stay informed via:

Yorkshire Water’s “Is there a hosepipe ban?” page, with live reservoir gauges and FAQs (yorkshirewater.com)
Environment Agency Drought Portal: National map of active TUBs
Email/SMS alerts: Sign up on Yorkshire Water’s site for instant notifications
Social media: Follow @YorkshireWater on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook

Conclusion

The Yorkshire hosepipe ban effective 11 July 2025 is essential to secure water supplies during historic drought conditions. By understanding what’s prohibited, what’s allowed, and available exemptions, you can comply fully and avoid fines. Embracing alternative water sources and conservation measures—from rainwater harvesting to efficient irrigation—will help you maintain a healthy garden and meet your water needs sustainably through the summer and beyond.