Hosepipe ban rules: what you can and cannot do, and the fines

What a hosepipe ban actually is

A hosepipe ban is the everyday name for a temporary use ban (TUB), a restriction water companies can impose under the Water Industry Act 1991 during periods of water stress. It restricts specific uses of a hosepipe or sprinkler connected to the mains supply, not the underlying activity. The ban is declared by the individual water company for its supply area, so whether you are covered depends on your supplier, not your council or postcode boundary.

As of mid-August 2026 a number of companies have bans in force, with Wessex Water's restriction starting on 18 August 2026. The ban applies to water drawn from the mains supply; it does not apply to water from other sources.

What is restricted

Using a hosepipe or sprinkler on the mains to water gardens and plants, clean private cars, or clean paths, patios, walls and windows is restricted. Filling or topping up swimming pools, paddling pools, hot tubs, ponds and ornamental fountains is also covered, as is cleaning private leisure boats with a hosepipe.

Automatic mains-fed irrigation, drip systems, pressure washers and similar devices are generally restricted alongside handheld hosepipes, though the exact list varies by company. The restriction applies to the use of the hosepipe itself, not to the activity, so watering with a hosepipe is banned but watering with other means is not.

What you can still do

You can water the garden, wash the car or clean the patio using a watering can or a bucket. Rainwater collected in a water butt or other water you have stored yourself is never restricted by a temporary use ban. Certain exemptions usually apply, for example for disabled Blue Badge holders, businesses where water use is essential, newly laid turf within a set period, and health and safety needs.

If you are unsure whether an activity is allowed, check your water company's statutory notice, which lists the precise restrictions and exemptions for its area. The notice is published on the company website and in local newspapers before the ban takes effect.

The fines and enforcement

Breaching a temporary use ban is a criminal offence under the Water Industry Act 1991, carrying a fine of up to 1,000 pounds on prosecution. Companies generally say they will warn customers first and reserve prosecution for serious or repeated breaches.

A company may make enquiries where hosepipe use is reported or observed, to establish whether an exemption applies. The fine is per offence, so repeated breaches can add up. Enforcement is a matter for the water company, not the police or local council.

How bans are declared, lifted, and what they cost you

Water companies must give at least seven days' notice before a temporary use ban takes effect, advertised in two local newspapers circulating in the area and on the company website. Bans are lifted after sustained rainfall restores groundwater, reservoir and river levels, not on a fixed end date.

A hosepipe ban does not change the price you pay for water; a metered bill only falls if you use less. Be aware of recycled coverage: some bans reported each summer repeat a previous year's restriction, so confirm the current status with your supplier or the company's own website.

Frequently asked questions

What can I still do during a hosepipe ban?

Use a watering can or bucket to water the garden or wash the car, and use rainwater from a water butt or stored water, which is never restricted. Only mains hosepipe and sprinkler use is banned.

What is the fine for breaking a hosepipe ban?

Up to 1,000 pounds, as a criminal fine under the Water Industry Act 1991. Companies usually warn first and prosecute only serious or repeated breaches.

Does a hosepipe ban apply to my whole area?

Bans follow the water company, not the council or postcode boundary. Whether you are covered depends on your supplier, so check your water company's notice.

Are there any exemptions?

Usually yes, for example for Blue Badge holders, essential business use, newly laid turf within a set period, and health and safety needs. The exact list is in your company's statutory notice.

Does a hosepipe ban make my water bill go up?

No. It does not change the price you pay. A metered bill only falls if you use less water; an unmetered bill is unchanged.