March 2007 (updated June 2010)
Restrictions on water use are built in to water company 25-year water resources managment plans. The plans are designed to ensure security of supply for customers in a range of scenarios and periods of dry weather.
The amount of rainfall received across the UK varies considerably throughout the year. With the added threat of climate change, prudent water management is needed by companies to keep under constant review the available water and ensure it is used for the best purposes when sources are low.
Two kinds of restrictions can be used by water companies to help communities make best use of water in prolonged dry spells - hosepipe bans and drought orders.
Hosepipe bans
A hosepipe ban means that you are not allowed to use a hosepipe or sprinkler for a range of purposes including watering domestic gardens or washing cars.
Hosepipes and garden sprinklers can use as much water in an hour as a family of four in a day, so restrictions on their use can make a real difference, particularly at times of high water demand. A hosepipe ban mainly affects domestic customers and is designed to reduce water consumption with the least impact on lifestyles and livelihoods.
The law under which bans can be introduced was amended in 2010. Flood and Water Management Act 2010 extends the list of domestic water uses that water companies can control - using their temporary bans power - during periods of water shortage. This avoids companies having to rely on drought orders and enables them to take action to conserve water at an earlier stage during a drought.
A Mori survey conducted in 2005 among customers affected by restrictions found that 84% of consumers supported the use of bans and 96% said they tried to comply. Companies work hard to explain why restrictions are needed and appreciate this support. They also provide information about how to reduce water waste through a range of use water wisely.
Hosepipe bans are controversial, so it is good that the need for them has been significantly reduced in recent years. However, a system that never needed a hosepipe ban would make very little sense. It would require massive extra investment, cause unnecessary environmental upheaval and mean higher water bills. It would also be poor value for money, because new plant would stand idle most of the time. Limited and timely restrictions can keep costs down and reduce the impacts all round.
Drought orders
Ordinary drought orders allow water companies to impose restrictions on non-essential use by public and private sector organisations. They can only be granted by the Secretary of State and are made only for specified periods and only after the views of objectors and consultees have been taken into account, usually via a public inquiry.
Emergency drought orders can only be granted if, in addition to a serious deficiency of supplies of water, the economic or social well-being of persons in the area is likely to be impaired. Such orders can provide for emergency supplies of water and are only considered in very extreme or exceptional circumstances.
Water UK Communication
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