With this spring being declared the warmest and sunniest on record, it’s not surprising that some areas are now seeing a hosepipe ban in 2025.
Hosepipe bans don’t just limit using your hose at home. They are broad restrictions on water usage, with many activities restricted and banned.
What is a hosepipe ban?
A hosepipe ban is a legal restriction on what households can do with their water supply. The restrictions are set by the Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order of 2010.
Hosepipe bans limit water use and prevent wastage during periods of low rainfall and drought. During hot weather, the levels of water stored in reservoirs drop. When this happens, water suppliers impose hosepipe bans to ensure there is enough water for essential supplies.
The 2025 hosepipe bans have been announced following a record-breakingly warm spring and a dry and hot June and July. This long period of hot weather with little rain has left millions affected by droughts.
What happens if I break the hosepipe ban?
The first time you break a hosepipe ban, you will usually receive a formal warning. If you continue to break the ban after your first warning, your supplier will issue you a fine. Depending on the severity and number of offences, your supplier can fine you up to £1000.
Dos and don’ts of a hosepipe ban
During a hosepipe ban, you may not use a hose, sprinkler or other water tool to:
- Water a garden or allotment
- Wash a private car, van or other vehicle
- Wash a private or leisure boat
- Water plants on non-commercial premises
- Fill a home swimming pool, paddling pool or hot tub
- Fill a pond, unless it supports wildlife
- Fill a fountain, again, unless it is needed to keep wildlife or fish healthy
- Clean your home’s windows, walls, paths, patios or other artificial outdoor surfaces
You can do any of these things with a bucket of water or a watering can – the ban doesn’t restrict these at all.
There are certain circumstances where you can use the hosepipe during the ban. For example, you can water plants that are for sale and sports fields which are in active use.
Is there a hosepipe ban in my area?
The first hosepipe ban in 2025 was issued by Yorkshire Water, effective from July 11th. The ban covers most of Yorkshire, as well as parts of north Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.
From the 18th of July, South East Water will be enforcing a ban on more than 1.8 million customers across Kent and Sussex.
Thames Water has also announced a ban that will affect more than 1.1 million customers from July 22nd. This ban won’t cover London, but will be in place in Swindon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and parts of Berkshire.
Not sure who your water supplier is? Find out here, and check their website regularly to stay up to date on bans in your area.
Who is exempt from hosepipe bans?
Different water suppliers have slightly different rules for who is and isn’t restricted by a hosepipe ban.
However, there are usually exemptions for:
- Blue badge holders and those who are registered as disabled
- Households on the water company’s priority services register
- Businesses that rely on hoses to operate, like car washes and garden centres
- Ponds and fountains that support wildlife
- Pools used for medical treatment
- Fountains used for religious purposes
- Food crops that can’t reasonably be hand-watered
For full details of whether you are exempt, check your water supplier’s website.
