Yorkshire have experienced a very dry spring and summer alongside the highest peaks in water usage in over 15 years. Forced to take action, Yorkshire Water have arranged for a hosepipe ban to take place from 26th August 2022 with the hope that reservoir levels can be restored.
This ban will apply to all Yorkshire Water customers. If you are unsure as to whether this might affect you, you can visit yorkshirewater.com for further details and guidance, but Alison Boffey and Ellise Howden from our civil litigation team have answered some of your frequently asked questions below.
Unfortunately, we cannot say for certain how long the ban will last. Ultimately it will need to remain in place until Yorkshire receives a significant level of rainfall to bring reservoir levels back to normal.
Yorkshire Water have confirmed that the following activities will be prohibited:
Watering a garden using a hosepipe
Cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe
Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe
Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe
These activities can still be carried out by other means such as using water from a bucket or a watering can or using water that isn’t sourced from the mains (e.g. rainwater).
If you are a blue badge holder, are on the Yorkshire Water Priority Services register or on their WaterSure tariff for medical reasons, then you might be an exception to the ban.
Yorkshire Water has also urged people not to put themselves at risk when complying with the ban. If you or someone you know may struggle unnecessarily, please be aware that you can apply for an exemption.
Nevertheless, the public have been urged to do all they can do reduce their own personal water usage.
The power to enforce the ban comes from The Water Industry Act 1991 section 76 as amended by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. It is important that customers respect the ban while it is in place, as Yorkshire Water have been given the authority to issue fines of up to £1,000 for non-compliance.
Yorkshire Water have confirmed that they are by no means encouraging the public to report neighbours for disregarding the ban, however they want to make people aware that they do have the power to enforce the ban and they have a process in place to deal with those who breach it. Yorkshire Water employees are regularly out and about during their everyday jobs and may choose to restate the rules when necessary.
The police have also urged the public not to call 999 to report anyone breaking the ban.
