Hosepipe bans, clearly explained
Can I water my garden during a hosepipe ban?
Watering a garden with a hosepipe is the most common activity restricted by a Temporary Use Ban. The ban generally applies to a hosepipe or any mains-fed sprinkler, but watering cans, buckets and stored rainwater remain allowed.
Lawns, beds, pots and new planting
Watering an established lawn or border with a hosepipe is normally restricted. Many notices allow watering of newly planted lawns, beds or trees within a set period, and some allow watering of food crops or plants in pots where the watering is needed to keep them alive.
The practical alternatives are a watering can, a bucket, or stored rainwater from a water butt.
- established lawns and borders are usually covered by the ban
- new turf and new beds often have a limited exemption
- pots and hanging baskets may be covered unless the notice says otherwise
- Otter’s watering guidance uses forecast rain to help you decide when to water within the rules
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.
