Thames Water has implemented a hosepipe ban affecting over 10 million customers, joining several other water suppliers in similar restrictions. The ban, effective from Thursday, prohibits the use of hosepipes for activities such as gardening and car washing, with fines of up to £1,000 for violators.
However, there are exceptions to the ban. Customers who receive water services from other suppliers but pay Thames Water for wastewater services are exempt. The company will release a detailed list of exemptions in a legal notice on Wednesday, clarifying that the ban only applies to dual-service customers.
Exemptions include health and safety needs, animal welfare, certain business activities, and watering food crops and newly planted trees. Priority Services customers with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent water use adjustments are also exempt.
Other water suppliers like Anglian offer similar exemptions for Priority Services Register members with health conditions or disabilities. Hosepipes connected to recycled water systems, newly planted trees, and specific watering needs are permitted under certain conditions.
In areas with hosepipe bans, customers on Priority Services Register, WaterSure tariff, and Blue Badge holders can continue using hosepipes if medical reasons prevent alternative watering methods. South East Water also grants automatic exemptions to registered Priority Services customers and in cases where the ban poses a health or safety risk.
Watering restrictions are relaxed for new lawns, trees, and food crops, while swimming and paddling pools can’t be filled except for religious or community purposes. Customers are encouraged to check the specific guidelines of their water supplier during this period.