Millions across the UK affected by hosepipe ban as new details on restrictions emerge
A new hosepipe ban is coming into force, impacting millions of people across the UK.
After several scorching heatwaves in a row, water supplies have been running low after the hot, dry weather.
In a bid to preserve levels across the country, Thames Water has become the latest company to announce a hosepipe ban.
It follows Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Southern Water, South East Water, South West Water, and Welsh Water all implementing restrictions.
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The latest ban, by Thames Water, comes into place from 0.01am on Thursday, July 23.
However, Thames Water is encouraging customers to start following the rules and conserving water immediately if they can.
The latest ban will impact a whopping 10million households across London and the South East.
Nevil Muncaster is the director of strategic water resources at Thames Water, and he said: "We would not be taking this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment.
"While there is enough water for essential use, we need to reduce non-essential outdoor demand to keep taps flowing.
"Many customers have already reduced their water use and that support has made a difference," he added.
"Thank you to everyone who has already changed their daily habits."
Hosepipe ban rules
Under hosepipe ban restrictions, you are banned from using a hosepipe, sprinkler, or pressure washer for a number of standard activities.
This includes watering plants or grass in the garden, filling up hot tubs, and washing a car.
It's bad news for green-fingered gardeners in particular, many of whom have been struggling with their blooms over the incredibly hot, dry weather.
Many across the country have now switched to using a watering can, and many have complained that any water storage system, such as a water butt, has long run dry due to no rain and the continuing heatwave.
However, drip irrigation systems are permitted.
If you enjoyed taking a dip in a paddling pool during the scorching weather, you can no longer use a hose to fill one up if you live in one of the hosepipe ban regions.
Instead, you can use a bucket or a watering can, but are asked to preserve as much water as you can.
Yorkshire Water told the BBC: "If we are told repeatedly about someone breaking the restrictions, the first thing we do is remind them of their obligations - that is usually enough," a spokesperson said.
"However, if they continue to use a hosepipe, we may escalate our enforcement accordingly."
What happens if you break the hosepipe ban?
Anyone caught breaking the hosepipe ban, unless they have an exemption, can be hit with a £1,000 fine.
Many water companies have put exemptions in place, and you should check with your company to see if you qualify for one.
One example is that many water firms have stated that Blue Badge Holders and those who would find lifting a heavy watering can painful can use a hosepipe.
Other companies have included families on the government’s WaterSure scheme.
Many firms are allowing customers to use a hosepipe to protect the health and welfare of animals, for example to fill water troughs for livestock, maintaining garden fish ponds, and keeping pets cool.
If you are on your supplier's Priority Services Register (PSR), many companies are offering an exemption.
This includes the elderly, people with chronic illness, and more.
Many allotment growers or people growing fruit and vegetables at home can also use a hosepipe where 'a watering can isn't reasonably sufficient or practical' according to Affinity and Anglian Water.
People who have just had a new lawn or turf laid before the ban can also use a hose for period of 28 days afterwards to ensure it takes.
Jen Thomas