Thames Water Hosepipe Ban Exemptions: What You Can and Can’t Do

Introduction

On 22 July 2025, Thames Water will enforce a Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) across parts of southern England—Oxfordshire (OX), Gloucestershire (GL), Swindon (SN), and areas of Berkshire (RG4, RG8, RG9)—to protect strained water supplies during the hottest, driest summer in over a century (Financial Times). While the ban prohibits most uses of mains‑connected hosepipes, certain essential activities remain exempt. This guide explains those exemptions, clarifies the rules, and offers practical advice on staying compliant without harming your plants, pets, or projects.

1. Standard Hosepipe Ban Restrictions

Under the Thames Water ban, you cannot use a hosepipe to:

• Water domestic gardens, lawns, or plants
• Wash cars, vans, or other vehicles
• Fill or top up paddling pools, fountains, or garden ponds
• Clean windows, patios, driveways, or outdoor paths
• Water non‑commercial sports pitches and playing fields

Breach of the ban can lead to a fixed penalty notice or fine of up to £1,000 under Section 36 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (Wikipedia).

2. Allowed Exemptions

Thames Water permits limited hosepipe use in the following circumstances:

2.1 Newly Laid/Sown Lawns and New Planting

• Who’s Covered: Lawns turfed or seeded, and flower beds or shrubs planted by a business as a service (e.g., professional landscapers).
• Duration: Up to 28 days from the date of completion.
• Conditions: Hosepipes may only water the new turf or plantings—not any other area of your garden (Thames Water).

2.2 Ornamental Ponds and Fishponds

• Purpose: Maintaining oxygen levels and water quality for pet fish or aquatic animals.
• Scope: You may fill, top up, or recirculate water via a hosepipe in a pond or pool containing live fish or other aquatic creatures (Thames Water).

2.3 Fountains with Religious Significance

• If an ornamental fountain is part of a place of worship and necessary for ritual ablutions, it may be filled by hose.

2.4 Essential Construction and Maintenance

• Swimming Pool Construction: A hosepipe may be used to complete structural filling of a new pool during its build phase.
• Post‑Construction: Once construction is finished, the pool may only be topped up with a watering can or similar non‑hose method.

3. What’s Still Prohibited

Even with these exemptions, the following remain banned if attempted with a hosepipe:

• Watering domestic plants by landscapers after the 28‑day new‑planting window
• Filling ornamental ponds without fish or religious purpose
• Cleaning equipment or outdoor surfaces with a hose
• Any recreational filling of pools unless under construction

Remember: watering cans, bowsers, or drip‑irrigation systems fed from stored rainwater or greywater are still allowed.

Conclusion

While the Thames Water hosepipe ban curtails most mains‑connected outdoor watering, the specific exemptions for new turf and planting, fishpond maintenance, religious fountains, and essential pool construction help balance environmental needs with practical requirements. By understanding and applying these exemptions correctly, you can comply with the ban, protect vulnerable plantings and aquatic pets, and avoid fines—while doing your part to conserve water during the drought.

Top 10 Questions & Answers

1. Q: Can I use a hose to water newly laid turf?
   A: Yes, if laid by a landscaping business and within 28 days of completion (Thames Water).
2. Q: Is filling my ornamental pond allowed?
   A: Only if it contains live fish or aquatic animals; fountains need religious significance.
3. Q: Can I water vegetable plots with a hose?
   A: No—domestic gardens and allotments are covered by the ban.
4. Q: May my gardener water plants after planting?
   A: Only during the 28‑day new‑planting exemption; after that, they must use watering cans.
5. Q: Can I complete a swimming pool fill?
   A: Yes, during construction; once complete, top‑ups must be by watering can.
6. Q: Are drip‑irrigation systems allowed?
   A: Yes, if they use stored rainwater or greywater and aren’t directly mains‑fed.
7. Q: Can I wash my car with a hose at home?
   A: No—washing vehicles is prohibited under the ban.
8. Q: What’s the penalty for breaking the ban?
   A: A fine of up to £1,000 or a fixed‑penalty notice under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (Wikipedia).
9. Q: How do I know if the ban affects me?
   A: It applies in all OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8, and RG9 postcodes from 22 July 2025 (Thames Water).
10. Q: How can I conserve water during the ban?
    A: Install water butts, fix drips, shorten showers, reuse greywater, and use watering cans for plants.