Hosepipe bans, clearly explained
Hosepipe ban exemptions
Temporary Use Bans are designed to protect essential water use, so suppliers publish exemptions for health, safety, animal welfare, commercial needs and some new planting. Exemptions differ between companies, and some require you to register them.
Common categories of exemption
Suppliers typically publish exemptions in these categories, though the detail varies. Read the notice for your supplier to see whether registration is required.
- health and safety, for example cleaning a medical facility or a slippery public surface
- animal welfare, including drinking water and cleaning where an animal’s health is at risk
- commercial watering of food crops and plants for sale
- newly planted lawns, trees and shrubs within the supplier’s stated window
- maintaining a pond where fish welfare depends on it
Exemptions are not automatic
Exemptions are usually defined in the legal notice and some must be registered with the supplier before use. If your use is not covered, the restriction applies.
Specific hosepipe ban questions
Choose the everyday activity you want to check.
Check the exact notice for your supplier. Each ban has its own scope, dates and exemptions — see the current status per water company or check by postcode for your area.
The rule for your home
Do not guess from a county-wide headline.
Enter your postcode to see the current official position for the water company serving your address.
