The first hosepipe bans of 2025 have been implemented in Yorkshire and the Kent and Sussex areas, but could bans come into place elsewhere in the UK?
Yorkshire Water has, as of Friday (July 11) introduced restrictions on using hosepipes, with South East Water also putting in a ban.
This covers activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools, in an effort to protect supplies with more dry weather forecasts predicted.
But will other areas introduce similar? Here is all you need to know.
Yorkshire, it’s time to put the hosepipes down for a bit.
— Yorkshire Water 💧 (@YorkshireWater) July 11, 2025
This will help our region’s reservoir levels recover and protect Yorkshire's water resources throughout the summer months, following the driest spring for 132 years, which led to the region being declared in drought.… pic.twitter.com/HwldS76sG8
What is a hosepipe ban?
A hosepipe ban, which is officially called a Temporary Usage Ban (TUB), is implemented by individual water companies.
It is typically put in place due to water shortages, which can be caused by things such as drought conditions or high demand.
A previous report by the Environment Agency (EA) warned that England is facing a big issue unless "urgent action" is taken.
Those who ignore the ban could face fines of up to £1,000.
What can you not do if a hosepipe ban is in place?
A hosepipe ban stops several activities involving water usage in the garden and beyond.
- Watering the garden or plants in your garden at home
- Cleaning private vehicles or boats
- Filling or maintaining a swimming pool, paddling pool, hot tub or cold-water plunge pool at home
- Filling or maintaining a domestic pond or ornamental fountain
- Cleaning your home’s walls or windows yourself
- Cleaning paths, patios or artificial outdoor surfaces
Yorkshire Water added that you can still carry out these activities if you’re using water from a bucket or a watering can.
You can also use water that is not sourced from mains water, such as grey water, rainwater from a water butt through a hosepipe, or private boreholes for example.
How long does a hosepipe ban last?
As explained by the Consumer Council for Water, the ban wil stay in place until the "situation is improved".
How to Cope with Hot Weather?
It adds: "Your company will announce when they are being removed. The company should provide regular updates.
"It may not feel like much, but everyone playing their part during a hose pipe ban can make a real difference."
How to check if there is a hosepipe ban in my area
If you want to find out if your area has a hosepipe ban in place, first find your supplier by using Water UK's postcode checker.
From there, you can contact your water supplier or check their website to check for any restrictions.
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With drought having been declared in north-west England, and with the North East, Yorkshire, East and West Midlands also experiencing dry weather, there are chances for more hosepipe bans.
Last month, executives at Thames Water, the UK's biggest water company, said they were “not confident” they could avoid bringing in restrictions this summer.
Other major water companies, while not bringing in bans at the moment, are keeping it under review.
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