Worsening droughts could bring further water restrictions

The UK government has declared severe drought conditions in several parts of the England, increasing the chances of new water use restrictions on local landscapers and other businesses.

Much of the country fell into drought over the summer, as low rainfall and high temperatures put pressure on the water environment, but now parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, and West Sussex have been given severe drought status.

This move will trigger further action from the government, regulators, and water companies to ensure public water supplies remain uninterrupted, potentially including the introduction of so-called non-essential use bans (NEUBs).

NEUBs are aimed at restricting water use by businesses rather than households – which are impacted more by temporary use bans or hosepipe bans – and may impact watering outdoor plants on commercial premises, filling or maintaining a pond, and suppressing dust.

The full list of activities which could be restricted under an NEUB is given in The Drought Direction 2011 but more information on the implications for businesses would be published by water companies before any ban is introduced.

Both South West Water and South East Water have asked the government for permission to introduce an NEUB but this does not necessarily mean either water company will actually bring in restrictions.

BALI will continue to monitor developments around droughts and restrictions and communicate any significant news to members.