The hosepipe ban 2022: What does this really mean?

Everything you need to know about the 2022 hosepipe ban

2022 has seen the hottest temperatures on records since records began. As a result of this, around 20 million people across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are currently facing a hosepipe ban. 

Simply put, a hosepipe ban means you are not allowed to use your hosepipe for anything non-essential. This can include: 

• Washing cars
• Watering plants
• Filling or maintaining your pool, fountain or pond (unless you have fish in the pond!)
• Cleaning walls, windows, patios, decking or paths

The hosepipe ban has come into force after higher temperatures have hit the UK, coupled with a severe lack of rainfall. Rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels are not high enough to supply people and homes for the rest of the year. 

The hosepipe ban aims to combat the higher use of water, so we continue to have enough of a supply to homes throughout the UK. It is unknown how long the hosepipe ban could last and how many homes it could continue to affect. 

The longer we go without substantial rain and continued hot weather, the longer we will see the ban in place. 

Breaking the rules of a hosepipe ban could cost you a hefty fine. Using your hosepipe will mean a fine of up to £1000, and you can be prosecuted in a criminal court of law under the Water Industry Act 1991. 

Tips for looking after your home during a hosepipe ban

It can be challenging to manage your home and keep it looking nice when you are in the middle of a hosepipe ban. This is why many homes choose to ignore the ban and continue to use their hosepipe, even when faced with hefty fines and the thought of prosecution. 

Three Counties Plumbing has some tips and tricks to keep your home in ship shape during the 2022 ban.

Think about the water you are already using

While washing up, bathing and showering, we use a lot of water in our homes daily. Consider how you might be able to reuse the water in your home and water plants with your bath or shower water. 

Don’t worry about soap suds – soil and compost are able to filter out any contaminants before they reach your plants. 

Purchase a water butt for the future

Whilst this may not help you now, having a water butt in your garden to collect the rainfall around the year will support you during future inevitable hosepipe bans and droughts. 

Pick up the broom for your garden maintenance 

Whilst it may be tempting to wash off your patio or your decking, this very much goes against the rules of the ban. 

Luckily, with the dry weather, your garden will be dryer and, therefore, easier to brush down with an outside broom to keep the worst of the dust and debris away. 

Saving water in the home

To help prevent and reduce further future bans, try to start saving on the water you use in the home. Reduce your shower time, save your washing up for one wash and stick to using just the water you need. 

These tips will all help to make a small difference to the water supply in the future. 

The future of UK water could look very different

It’s no secret that the future of our water supply is cause for concern amongst scientists and researchers. 

2022 holds the record for the driest July since 1984, and in the last 8 months, only 16 inches of rain fell across England – less than 3/4 of the 1991-2020 average (22.4 inches). 

With the weather getting warmer and the rainfall getting less, it’s no wonder researchers are panicking. 

A lowering water supply doesn’t just cause concern for the average home who cannot fill up their paddling pool or pond. Farmers will find it almost impossible to grow field vegetables, fruit and potatoes, and a lack of rainfall will affect animal feed and grass.

But we are surrounded by water. How could we be running out? Although the earth is covered by 70% water, only a small amount of that (3%) is suitable for human consumption, and most of that can be found in glaciers and ice caps (The Independent). 

If we continue to use water at the rate we are, around double what is being produced, we could be faced with a serious water crisis in around 25 years. 

This may also interest you: 

Frequently Asked Questions | Plumbing Team | Three Counties Plumbing and Heating

A 2022 guide to choosing a water softener

Are your plumbing appliances costing you too much money?

Three Counties bring you the latest in advice and guidance

As your local Aylesbury Plumbers, Three Counties Plumbing and Heating aim to bring you the latest in advice, guidance and news that could impact your plumbing and heating at home. 

If you are concerned about the latest hosepipe ban and you would like to make a change for the better in your home, get in touch with Three Counties Plumbing and Heating today to find out about water-saving installations. 

Let’s work together to preserve the future of our water and world.