Southern Water is to impose a hosepipe ban on the Isle of Wight starting 5th August 2022. They say the Temporary Use Ban (TUB) is to protect the River Test and River Itchen after experiencing one of the driest years on record (for the past 131 years).
Dr Alison Hoyle, Director of Risk and Compliance at Southern Water, said,
“River flows are approximately 25 per cent lower than they should be for July, which is equivalent to losing more than 25 million bathtubs of water. We’re asking our customers to help protect our rivers and the habitats that live there by cutting back their water use.”
Southern Water’s leaking system
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) report that in 2022-21, the average annual leakage by Southern Water within their own network was 82.65 litres per day per customer property (source). The CCW say this makes Southern one of the least leaky water and sewerage companies.
What can’t you do during the Hosepipe ban?
Under the terms of this measure, the summary is, using hosepipes to water gardens or clean cars will no longer be permitted. The filling of ornamental ponds and swimming pools also must not occur.
The Isle of Wight is widely known as The Garden of England – gardeners can continue to water their garden with a watering can, or wash their car using a bucket and sponge.
In more detail
Below are the things you can’t do, in more detail:
- 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.
Fines for breaching
Hosepipe bans, as well as the punishments associated with breaching any ban, are covered by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP say.
Hosepipe bans are legally enforceable and breach of the ban conditions can carry hefty penalties. Those caught breaking the ban can be fined up to £1,000.
