Is There Currently a Hosepipe Ban? Your UK-wide Guide

Introduction
In summer 2025, England is experiencing its driest spring since 1893 and record-high water demand. Several water companies have introduced Temporary Use Bans (TUBs), commonly called hosepipe bans, to protect supplies. However, these bans are not nationwide—they apply only in certain supplier areas where stocks have fallen below critical thresholds. This guide answers whether a hosepipe ban is currently in force, which regions are affected, what a ban involves, and how to check and prepare regardless of where you live in the UK.

1. What Is a Temporary Use Ban (TUB)?

A TUB is a legal restriction under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 that prohibits non-essential outdoor uses of mains water through hosepipes or sprinklers—such as garden watering, vehicle washing, patio cleaning and filling non-recirculating pools—when water sources (rivers, reservoirs, groundwater) reach drought-alert levels.

2. Regions with Active Hosepipe Bans

As of July 2025, the following suppliers have active bans:

• South East Water (Kent & Sussex) – Ban from 18 July.
• Yorkshire Water (Yorkshire & Humber) – Ban from 16 July.
• Dwr Cymru / Welsh Water – Ban across Wales from 1 July.

These bans apply only within each supplier’s service area, not nationwide.

3. Regions without a Formal Ban (Voluntary Saving Only)

Several major suppliers do not have compulsory bans but request voluntary conservation:

• Thames Water (London & Thames Valley)
• Southern Water (Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Isle of Wight)
• Anglian Water (East of England)
• Severn Trent Water (Midlands & North West)
• South West Water (Cornwall & Devon)
• Essex & Suffolk Water (Essex & Suffolk)
• Affinity Water (Home Counties)
• SES Water (East Surrey & West Kent)
• Portsmouth Water (Portsmouth & Gosport)

4. Why Bans Are Introduced

• Prolonged Drought: Low rainfall depletes reservoirs and rivers.
• High Demand: Peak summer use can exceed supply capacity.
• Environmental Protection: Maintains river flows and wetland health.
• Regulatory Duty: Companies must act when defined “red alert” triggers are met in their drought plans.

5. What a Ban Prohibits

Under a TUB, you cannot use a hosepipe or sprinkler for:

• Watering gardens, lawns and ornamental beds
• Washing cars, boats, caravans or other vehicles
• Cleaning patios, paths, driveways and garden furniture
• Filling or topping up swimming pools, paddling pools or fountains without recirculation

6. Exemptions & Essential Uses

Even during a ban, you may use a hosepipe for:

• Health & Safety: Firefighting, dust suppression, infection-control cleaning
• Animal Welfare: Watering livestock, pets or fish
• Food Production: Irrigating edible crops where hand-watering is impractical
• Rainwater Systems: Hoses connected exclusively to rainwater butts or harvesting systems

7. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Breaching a TUB can incur:

• Fixed Penalty: Up to £100 on the spot
• Court Fines: Up to £1,000
• Enforcement: Possible disconnection of hose fittings

Companies encourage public reporting of suspected breaches.

8. How to Check Your Status

1. Postcode Checker: Visit your water supplier’s website and enter your postcode.
2. Account Alerts: Sign up for email/SMS notifications via your online account.
3. Official Channels: Follow your supplier’s social media or local news bulletins.

9. Preparing for or Avoiding Restrictions

• Harvest Rainwater: Fill butts now for watering cans post-ban.
• Install Drip Irrigation: Use rainwater-fed soaker hoses for efficient watering.
• Delay Non-Essential Washing: Postpone car washes, patio cleans and pool fills.
• Fix Leaks Promptly: A dripping tap wastes up to 30 L per day—repair without delay.
• Mulch Beds: Apply organic mulch to conserve soil moisture.

10. Long-Term Water-Saving Habits

• Plant Drought-Tolerant Species: Lavender, sedum, rosemary and ornamental grasses.
• Fit Tap Aerators: Lower flow rates for domestic tasks.
• Monitor Meter Usage: Track consumption to spot spikes early.
• Tune Your Drought Plan: Share tips with neighbours and support community resilience.

Conclusion
There is no single UK-wide hosepipe ban—restrictions apply only in certain supplier areas (most notably South East Water, Yorkshire Water and Welsh Water). By checking your supplier’s current status, understanding what a TUB covers, and adopting water-saving measures, you can comply immediately if a ban affects you, help protect regional supplies, and reduce the likelihood of future restrictions.

Top 10 Questions & Answers

1. Is there a current hosepipe ban in the UK?
   Only in certain regions: South East Water (Kent & Sussex), Yorkshire Water and Welsh Water have active bans.
2. Which suppliers have no ban?
   Thames, Southern, Anglian, Severn Trent, South West, Essex & Suffolk, Affinity and SES Water are currently ban-free.
3. What is a TUB?
   A legal restriction on non-essential hosepipe use triggered by drought conditions.
4. What does a ban prohibit?
   Garden watering, vehicle washing, patio/path cleaning, pool filling and non-recirculating features.
5. Are watering cans allowed under a ban?
   Yes—hand-watering with cans or buckets remains permitted.
6. Are there exemptions?
   Yes—for health & safety, animal welfare, essential food-crop watering and rainwater-fed systems.
7. What penalties apply for breaking a ban?
   Fixed penalty up to £100, court fines up to £1,000, and possible disconnection of fittings.
8. How do I check if my area is under a ban?
   Use your supplier’s postcode checker or sign up for account alerts.
9. How can I prepare now?
   Harvest rainwater, mulch beds, install drip irrigation, fix leaks, and delay non-essential washing.
10. Will voluntary savings prevent bans?
    Collective conservation eases pressure on supplies and can delay or avoid compulsory restrictions.