Where are hosepipe bans – and is my small business exempt?

A hosepipe ban is being introduced in Yorkshire after the driest spring in 132 years. 

Small business owners may be wondering how the hosepipe ban will impact their business. And with heatwaves sweeping across most of the UK, are any other areas at risk of a hosepipe ban too?

When is the hosepipe ban?

Also known as a temporary use ban (TUB), the hosepipe ban is from 11 July in Yorkshire after having less than half the expected rainfall in spring. 

According to Yorkshire Water, reservoirs are only 55 per cent full and action must be taken to protect their water supply. Check if Yorkshire Water is your supplier if you’re not sure.

The temporary restrictions stop people from using a hosepipe to water gardens and plants, clean cars, wash windows, and fill paddling pools.

Not following the rules can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Is my business exempt from the hosepipe ban?

The ban only applies to domestic use, so businesses are exempt from the hosepipe ban as long as the use is for commercial reasons.

If you use a hosepipe as part of your business services to customers, you’re still allowed to use it, even during the temporary use ban.

Hosepipe ban exemptions

You can use a hosepipe for your business if you’re:

• watering a garden or land that’s used by a business for growing any crops, fruits, vegetables, or other plants for sale or commercial use
• providing cleaning as a service to customers, including cleaning private leisure boats, windows, paths, and patios
• washing taxis, goods vehicles, or commercial vehicles
• filling or maintaining a water fountain if it’s used for recognised religious practices
• filling or maintaining a domestic pond when it’s for the welfare of the fish or aquatic animals in the pond
• cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces – if it’s part of a service to customers

Is there a hosepipe ban in my area?

There are currently no other hosepipe bans in place in the UK but if the dry weather continues, certain areas are at risk. In May, a drought was declared in the north-west of England after uncharacteristically low rainfall. This makes it one of the areas most at risk of being affected by a hosepipe ban. 

Regions that rely on reservoirs for their water supply have a higher risk of drought and hosepipe bans. Most of the south-east of England uses aquifers for their water supply, which is a more stable source after a wet winter. This makes a hosepipe ban and drought much less likely to happen in the South East.

The rest of the UK is considered in a ‘dry status’, which is the step before a drought.  

A hosepipe ban is enforced differently across the country, and the rules and restrictions can vary. If you’re not sure about anything then it’s best to contact your water company. 

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