We’re continually monitoring the situation. We're not planning to impose further water use restrictions at the moment. Clearly, if the dry weather continues for a prolonged period, we may reach the point where further restrictions could be required. We would need a statutory order to put this in place. This is set out in our statutory drought plan.

We have some specific FAQs related to businesses and non-household properties. You can also contact your retailer for additional information – this is the company who manages your day to day relationship with water and who you pay your bills to. If you’re unsure of who your retailer is, just check your latest bill.

Please only use standpipes where absolutely necessary. You can only use specific hydrants at strategic points according to your licence. You must use the hydrants you have been given permission to use to reduce the effect of pressure on the network. Make sure your licence is up-to-date and ensure fittings are working properly and not wasting water.

The use of a hosepipe connected to the mains supply to fill a domestic swimming pool is prohibited unless it is necessary as part of its construction, significant refurbishment, or for a particular health and safety purpose. Examples of significant refurbishment include works that might entail major alterations to the shape or size of the pool, or to its immediate surroundings, repairs of significant leaks, or the installation of a completely new liner. Minor repairs, such as the replacement of tiles, would not qualify as significant refurbishment. Ideally, water from the domestic pool to be refurbished or repaired should be retained in a temporary structure, subject to any space restrictions on site and depending on the suitability of the water being
retained. The first fill of the pool should only be filled by the specialist business contracted to carry out the work. Thereafter, the pool cannot be topped up or filled by a hosepipe connected to the mains supply.

You can’t use a hosepipe to clean private leisure boats, except:

• any areas enclosed by walls and a roof
• where fouling is causing increased fuel consumption or where engines are designed to be cleaned with a hosepipe
• to prevent or control the spread of non-native and/or invasive species
• if the vessel is your primary residence
• if you are a business where boat cleaning is done as a service to customers

Yes, you can fill onboard drinking and washing water tanks in boats and caravans as these falls under the health & safety exception. In addition, these do not fall into prohibited activities.

You cannot fill or maintain an ornamental fountain/water feature with a hosepipe while the restrictions are in place.

You have up to 28 days from when these are planted to use a hosepipe or sprinkler, after that you’d need to use an alternative method, such as a watering can or products such as drip or trickle irrigation systems. These systems come with pressure-reducing valves and timers, making them more water-efficient. Plus, they're not affected by the restrictions, so you can keep your flowers thriving without any worries.

Under the restrictions, you can’t use a hosepipe for this, you’d have to use an alternative such as a such as a watering can or products such as drip or trickle irrigation systems. These systems come with pressure-reducing valves and timers, making them more water-efficient. Plus, they're not affected by the restrictions.

Hosepipes can be used but only where the vehicles are for sale or where you offer a car wash/valeting service that customers have paid for specifically either as a single service or included in a service package. We would, however, ask that you look for ways to use your water as efficiently as possible.
The use of a hosepipe to clean customer-owned vehicles as a complimentary or free service would not be permitted.

While we’d prefer everyone to use a low water usage apparatus during the restrictions, such as a bucket and sponge, there are some vehicles which can still be washed with a hosepipe. These are:

• Public bus
  
• Any vehicles covered by an organisation’s “Goods Vehicle Operator’s License”
  
• Military vehicles
  
• Snow ploughs and gritters
  
• Emergency service vehicles (including those used by gas, electricity, water and telephone companies)
  
• Hearses and accompanying funeral cars
  
• Recovery vehicles (only if they’re used exclusively for that purpose)
  
• Tractors and agricultural vehicles
  
• Mobile exhibition vehicles
  
• Catering vehicles
  
• Mobile shops
  
• Mobile medical screening vehicles
  
• Any vehicle of over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight or (where there is no plated weight) an unladen weight of more than 1,525kg to transport goods for hire or reward or in connection with a trade or business.

• Private car
  
• Taxi
  
• Limousine
• Wedding Car
  
• Private hire minibus
  
• Private hire coach
  
• Any other vehicle including those used in the course of running a business (e.g. white van)

Where the accommodation is not formally registered as a business, i.e. the property owner pays council tax, not business rates, any garden associated with the accommodation is classed as a domestic garden and falls under the restrictions.
If the property owner pays business rates, this means you are a commercial customer and do not fall under the restrictions and can use a hosepipe.

No

Garden centres are not covered by the ban for the watering of plants but we would encourage the use of a watering can as an alternative where possible and to help set an example to customers.
Please note filling ornamental displays within the outlet is prohibited unless this is necessary to supply sufficient oxygen to the water in a pond to keep fish healthy. You can help promote water-efficient gardening methods to your customers and promote the purchase of water butts and water retaining gel granules, and other products.

Yes - hosepipes can be used within places of worship or community pools. This is if it's part of a religious ceremony.