Where are UK hosepipe bans, what happens if I use one, and should I report my neighbours?
Millions affected by water shortages across the UK, with some customers told that restrictions could be in place until the autumn
Millions are set to be impacted by a hosepipe ban, which comes into force this week as a UK-wide heatwave continues.
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Southern Water and Affinity Water are among the companies to have enforced restrictions, but both have stoked claims of a "two-tier system" by allowing benefits claimants to use hosepipes.
The ban follows the third 35C plus heatwave of the year, which has left the UK with water shortages.
Millions of Southern Water and Affinity Water customers have been under a ban since Friday, with thousands more set to be affected by a wider ban which comes into force this coming Friday.
Here is the hosepipe ban situation.
Read also: How long is this heatwave going to last? Full force of extreme heat warning revealed
Is there a hosepipe ban?
Yes, the hosepipe ban is in force in several parts of the UK and by several water companies, with Anglian, Cambridge, South East, and Southern all announcing restrictions.
While many are already under restrictions, a wider ban is set to be enforced from Friday.
Where is there a hosepipe ban in the UK?
Hosepipe ban
- Lincolnshire,
- Norfolk,
- Suffolk,
- Cambridgeshire,
- Northamptonshire,
- Bedfordshire,
- Hertfordshire,
- Essex,
- Buckinghamshire,
- Hampshire,
- Isle of Wight,
- Kent,
- Surrey,
- Berkshire
Limited use advised
- Oxfordshire,
- Wiltshire,
- Gloucestershire,
- West Sussex,
- East Sussex,
- Greater London
What happens if I use a hosepipe?
Anyone found using a hosepipe when facing the ban will face a £1,000 fine, although exemptions apply and several water companies are exempting those who are claiming benefits.
South East Water said: "We will to a large degree be relying on people’s goodwill in observing the restrictions.
"However, our customers need to be aware of the seriousness of the situation.
"We have powers to prosecute in a situation where someone knowingly ignores the restrictions, and will use these powers where we think it is justified and in line with our enforcement policy."
It went on to describe the fine as a "last resort" and something that no water company wants to enforce.
Should I report my neighbours?
Complaints can be made to water companies, which have the power to enforce fines, although it would not be a matter to report to the police.
There is no obligation to report your neighbours, and there are different exemptions for some individual circumstances.