The UK has been experiencing a particularly dry period, 8 months to be precise. Despite some areas having massive downpours recently, many parts are still struggling. As a result, a hosepipe ban has been set for several areas in the UK. These are the things you can and can’t do with the ban.
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Where and when is the hosepipe ban?
According to Sky News, the hosepipe ban starts today, August 5, at 5 pm GMT. The hosepipe ban is for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This is the first hosepipe ban since 2012 for the region.
Customers of South East Waters in Kent and Sussex will also be banned from using hosepipes from August 12.
Pembrokeshire and Wales will start their hosepipe ban on August 19.
Other companies may follow suit if the weather continues to be this hot and dry.
Millions of people have been urged to report their neighbours to water companies if they breach hosepipe bans amid the driest spell since 1976 https://t.co/KqQu5SnDSo
— The Times and The Sunday Times (@thetimes) August 5, 2022
What is banned?
Having a hosepipe ban can be confusing. What you can and can’t do isn’t always specified. Don’t worry, we can make sure you know what’s going on.
According to Sky News, the hosepipe ban currently stops people from filling up paddlingpools as well as watering your garden. The hosepipe ban also applies to cleaning windows, walls and garden patios.
Managing director of water services Ian Christie said:
We have not seen such prolonged dry conditions in Pembrokeshire since 1976.
Introducing the hosepipe ban is not a decision we have taken lightly, however, if we are to make sure there is enough water to see us through the rest of the summer and into the autumn then we need to act now to try to prevent any further restrictions later on.
Read more:
⋙ Water shortages: This is how it could affect your household according to expert
⋙ Potential heatwaves predicted this summer, here's what you need to know
