Severn Trent Hosepipe Ban: What You Need to Know

Introduction

As the UK experiences one of the driest springs in decades, Severn Trent Water is urging its customers to use water wisely and preparing for the possibility of a hosepipe ban. Although no ban is currently in force across Severn Trent’s region, reservoir levels have fallen below 76%—a significant drop driven by record-low rainfall and high summer temperatures. Knowing why a ban might be imposed, what it would entail, and how to stay ahead will help you protect your garden, allotment, business, and household from the worst impacts of water restrictions.

In this comprehensive, SEO-friendly guide, we’ll cover:

Current status: why Severn Trent is on alert
Severn Trent supply area: regions and customers affected
Water resource pressures: drought data and triggers
Legal framework: how and when a ban can be enacted
Potential scope: prohibited versus permitted activities
Monitoring status: where to find real-time updates
Alternative water sources: harvesting rain and reusing greywater
Top conservation tips for homes and gardens
Business and agricultural considerations
Building long-term resilience
Conclusion
Top 10 Questions & Answers
Meta Description

1. Current Status: Why Severn Trent Is on Alert

Following the driest March in 60 years and the sunniest April on record, Severn Trent’s overall reservoir capacity dropped to 75.6% by mid-June 2025—down from 80% just weeks earlier (shropshirestar.com). The company’s water-resources lead, Doug Clarke, warns that continued hot, dry weather could push levels below critical thresholds and says, “While customers can be confident in their water supply, it’s vital we all use water wisely as the warm and dry conditions persist” (worksopguardian.co.uk). Although Severn Trent has not ruled out the possibility of a ban, it remains a last-resort measure, enacted only if reserves dip into the danger zone.

2. Severn Trent Supply Area: Regions and Customers

Severn Trent Water serves over eight million customers across:

East and West Midlands (including Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby)
Parts of the North West (Cheshire, Greater Manchester fringes)
South Yorkshire (adjacent to Yorkshire Water areas)
Shropshire, Staffordshire, and parts of Warwickshire

If a hosepipe ban is introduced, it would apply uniformly across all mains-clean-water customers in these regions—whether domestic, industrial, or commercial.

3. Water Resource Pressures: Drought Data and Triggers

3.1 Recent Rainfall Deficits

March–May 2025: Only 39% of average rainfall fell in the Severn Trent region, the lowest since 1965 (worksopguardian.co.uk).
June 2025: Record heatwave with daytime highs above 30 °C, driving up domestic and agricultural demand.

3.2 Reservoir and River Levels

Reservoir capacity: Fell below 80% in mid-May and continued to decline to 75.6% by June 16 (shropshirestar.com).
River flows: Monitored daily; if flows drop below the 10th percentile for the catchment, restrictions may be triggered.

3.3 Trigger Points for a Ban

Under Severn Trent’s Drought Plan, approved by the Environment Agency, a hosepipe ban is considered when:

Reservoirs consistently hold less than 70% capacity.
River flows fall below critical ecological thresholds.
Groundwater levels in key boreholes decline sharply.
Forecasts predict sustained low rainfall into late summer.

4. Legal Framework: How and When a Ban Can Be Enacted

4.1 Regulatory Authority

Severn Trent Water’s Drought Plan: Published in advance, detailing the stages of drought response, including voluntary conservation, temporary use bans, and emergency drought orders under the Water Resources Act 1991.
Environment Agency (EA): Grants approval for Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) once specified triggers occur.

4.2 Statutory Process

Drought Declaration: EA formally classifies region under drought status.
Consultation: Severn Trent consults stakeholders (local councils, environmental groups).
Notice Period: Company provides at least 48 hours’ notice before ban starts.
Enforcement: Water-company officers can issue Section 76 notices, with fines up to £1,000 for breaches.

5. Potential Scope: Prohibited vs. Permitted Activities

If Severn Trent enacts a hosepipe ban, the following would apply:

Prohibited Activities

Watering gardens, lawns, and trees with a mains-connected hose
Filling or topping up paddling pools, hot tubs, and swimming pools
Washing vehicles (cars, boats) using a hose or pressure washer
Cleaning hard surfaces (patios, driveways) with a hosepipe
Water-based recreational uses (e.g., water fights) (worksopguardian.co.uk)

Permitted Activities

Hand-watering with kettles, watering cans, or buckets filled at the tap
Irrigation via hoses connected to stored water (rain barrels, greywater)
Livestock watering, firefighting, and emergency services
Domestic indoor uses (drinking, cooking, bathing, toilet flushing)
Commercial exemptions (e.g., nurseries, market growers) under special permit

Always check Severn Trent’s official ban notice for exact definitions and any area-specific variations.

6. Monitoring Status: Where to Find Real-Time Updates

To stay informed on a potential or active Severn Trent hosepipe ban:

Severn Trent Drought Page: Live reservoir-level gauges, drought-stage maps, FAQs, and ban notices.
Environment Agency Drought Portal: Interactive map showing all regional TUBs.
Email/SMS Alerts: Sign up on Severn Trent’s website for instant notifications.
Social Media: Follow @SevernTrentWater on X (Twitter) and Facebook for official announcements.
Local News Outlets: Regional papers (e.g., Worksop Guardian, Shropshire Star) and broadcast bulletins often amplify water-restriction news.

7. Alternative Water Sources: Harvesting Rain and Reusing Greywater

7.1 Rainwater Harvesting

Water Butts: 200–500 L barrels under downpipes; cost-effective and quick to install.
Larger Tanks: 1,000–10,000 L cisterns with gravity-feed or pump systems; ideal for allotments and commercial growers.
First-Flush Diverters: Exclude initial roof runoff to improve water quality.

7.2 Greywater Recycling

Sources: Bath, shower, and laundry rinse water (avoid harsh detergents on edibles).
Distribution: Diverter valves channel greywater into sub-surface irrigation lines or soakaways.
Treatment: Simple biofilters (sand or gravel trenches) can reduce solids before reuse.

7.3 Private Supplies

Boreholes and Wells: Generally exempt from mains restrictions but require regular quality testing for safe use on edible plants.
Bulk Water Deliveries: Tanker services supply non-mains water for large-scale operations; must ensure no cross-connection to mains.

8. Top Conservation Tips for Homes and Gardens

Deep, Infrequent Watering: Use drip or soaker systems on stored water to encourage deep roots and reduce evaporation.
Mulching: Apply 5–8 cm of straw, wood chips, or leaf mould to cut soil moisture loss by up to 75%.
Shade Cloth: Install 30–50% shroud over sensitive plants to lower evapotranspiration.
Drought-Tolerant Species: Opt for Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme), ornamental grasses, and succulents.
Greywater Use Indoors: Divert shower water to fill jugs for indoor plant watering.
Leak Checks: Inspect and repair dripping taps, toilets, and irrigation lines monthly.
Rainwater Forecasting: Pause irrigation when rain is predicted in the next 24 hours.
Efficient Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets to reduce indoor demand.

Implement these measures now, so your garden and plumbing systems are primed when restrictions begin.

9. Business and Agricultural Considerations

Nurseries & Market Growers: Can apply for Special Exemptions to irrigate essential food crops, subject to strict water-use reporting.
Farms & Livestock: Prioritise stock watering—an essential use exempt from bans—and consider deficit irrigation strategies for arable crops.
Construction & Industry: Use mechanical sweepers, foam suppressants, or recycled/process water for dust control and equipment cleaning.
Hospitality & Public Spaces: Landscapes can be irrigated with stored water; communicate restrictions to customers via signage and menus.

Early engagement with Severn Trent’s business services team can secure tailored guidance and reduce operational disruptions.

10. Building Long-Term Resilience

Infrastructure Investment: Consider upgrading to smart irrigation controllers that adjust schedules based on real-time weather data.
Soil Health: Incorporate organic matter and biochar to increase water-holding capacity and promote deep rooting.
Rainwater Integration: Design new beds and patios with integrated harvesting in mind—sinks, canals, and swales that direct runoff to storage.
Community Action: Join or form local water-saving networks, share rain barrels, and swap tips at allotment associations or garden clubs.

A proactive, systems-based approach ensures your property weathers droughts with minimal stress.

Conclusion

While Severn Trent Water has not yet imposed a hosepipe ban, the record-dry spring, record-low reservoir levels, and ongoing heatwave mean restrictions remain a real possibility. By understanding the triggers, legal framework, and scope of a potential ban—and by adopting alternative water sources, smart conservation strategies, and long-term resilience measures—you can remain compliant, avoid fines, and keep your plants, livestock, and operations thriving through the toughest stretches of summer.