Southern Water brings in hosepipe ban
Southern Water has become the latest water company to introduce a hosepipe ban this year, following Yorkshire Water, South East Water, and Thames Water.
The ban only affects customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight though, with customers in other counties supplied by Southern Water currently exempted.
Like the other companies, Southern Water has not specified an end date for the ban, saying they will lift restrictions as soon as they can.
Impact on landscaping
In England and Wales, the power to introduce a hosepipe ban is given to water companies in Section 36 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and detailed in the Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order 2010.
Broadly, these laws allow water companies to ban various domestic uses of a hosepipe, with specific exemptions for commercial and other non-domestic uses.
However, they also provide a degree of flexibility and are somewhat open to interpretation, so it is always worth contacting the relevant water company if you are unsure on the legality of a specific use.
Southern Water has published an FAQ page about the ban on its website, though it does not appear to directly cover landscaping activities.
It does say that households can use a hosepipe to water newly laid turf for the first 28 days while also urging them to use water wisely.
It also says that businesses can only use a hosepipe to water the ‘key playing areas’ of sports grounds such as cricket squares and golf greens, unless hosting a regional, national, or international event.
If you need further clarity on what is and is not allowed under the ban, please contact Southern Water directly.
Looking ahead
BALI will continue to monitor developments and communicate any further droughts and hosepipe bans to members and, in turn, their clients.
Meanwhile, our policy team is renewing efforts to secure greater flexibility for landscaping under hosepipe bans as well as a more consistent approach across water companies.
We have previously discussed the benefits of sustainable garden design, rainwater harvesting systems, and water solutions more broadly.
