Impact of Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans) for Business Customers

As the hot weather continues an increasing number of water wholesalers are announcing hosepipe bans across the UK. They are designed to reduce demand and help protect water supplies.

They primarily restrict households from using hosepipes, sprinklers or pressure washers. The rules vary from company to company, and people can still use watering cans and buckets, there are also exemptions for wildlife protection (e.g. filling ponds) and health and safety (e.g. essential cleaning).

They don’t apply in the same way for businesses. Businesses are exempt from hosepipe bans as long as the water is being used for commercial purposes. So, a garden centre can water plants to keep them healthy, a football club can water the pitch, and a factory can washdown yards.

However, if your business is in a hosepipe ban area then you should try and conserve water too. Things like avoiding washing commercial fleets, turning off water features, optimising cleaning systems, can all help ensure there’s enough water to go round. Please contact us if you want tips or advice on how to save water.

If dry conditions continue then water wholesalers can bring in Non-essential Use Bans, these are the next step up from a hosepipe ban and apply specifically to businesses. They mean water can only be used if essential, so if you are a food processing factory, you can use water in the processing, but you can’t use water for things like window washing or outdoor watering.

If you want more information about restrictions in your area, and how the rules apply to your business, or just want help to save water please contact us. Or go to Lets Save Water (Let’s Save Water | Water Efficiency Campaign for England & Wales) – which is a new 5-year national water saving campaign, it’s in its early stage so far but will increasingly have tools and resources for businesses.