Hosepipe ban
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Introduction
Water is an increasingly scarce resource. As population increases, and climate change makes rainwater patterns less predictable, it is becoming more important that we reduce the amount of water that we consume and discharge into the sewerage infrastructure.
When the availability of water approaches insufficient levels, it is sometimes necessary for restrictions to be placed on customers. This most commonly occurs during periods of drought, but restrictions can also be put in place if fresh water reserves (or reservoirs) become contaminated due to some type of accident.
In the UK, these restrictions are commonly referred to as 'hosepipe bans'. These bans typically prevent the use of hoses, sprinklers or sprinkler systems for watering gardens and lawns. The bans also apply to the use of a hosepipe for washing automobiles or other situations where hoses are left turned on and unattended.
Hosepipe bans are typically put in place by local water companies. However, they can sometimes be imposed across entire regions based on resource levels in the area.
[edit] History
While water usage has been the source of conflict for centuries, it was the droughts and shortages of the 1890s that resulted in action to control the supply of water. The formation of the East London Waterworks Company was a result of this activity, although the company was not particularly successful in responding to the crisis.
In the 1920s and early 1930s severe drought triggered additional measures to control the wasteful use of water, including activities that could result in fines for offenders.
[edit] Modern water regulations
The Water Industry Act 1991 brought about more significant restrictions and penalties on water usage. The formal introduction of the hosepipe ban was contained in section 76 of the 1991 Act, which has since been expanded in section 36 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 activities that can be banned include:
- Watering a garden.
- Washing a private car.
- Watering plants on non-commercial property.
- Washing a private leisure boat.
- Filling a domestic swimming pool, pond or ornamental fountain.
- Washing domestic walls, windows, paths or patios.
- Drawing water for domestic recreational use.
- Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces.
Water companies can impose a ban or can apply to the government for a drought order. An ordinary drought order limits the use of water for specific activities, while an emergency drought order limits the supply of water and makes alternative arrangements for the supply of water, for example by erecting stand pipes.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.