How does the hosepipe ban affect you?
In the UK’s hottest Summer on record eight water companies have already announced a hosepipe Temporary Use Ban (TUB).
This has angered consumers, given that the average bill will increase by 5.44% or £33 a year during 2026-27. This follows an average increase of 27% already seen in 2025-26.
At the same time in the last few years water users have seen numerous leaks, spills, sewage in our rivers and seas and record amounts of fines.
Despite Ofwat being giving powers to block directors’ bonuses under the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, it hasn’t stopped companies circumventing the rules. Salary increases, allowance awards and retention payments have increased. It is the second year in a row that the bonus ban has resulted in higher overall pay in the sector.
Thames Water’s Chief Financial Officer, Steve Buck, was paid £591,000 in the financial year to March 2026 yet still received a delayed £1m “signing-on fee” at the end of July. Petition Thames Water: Put customers before bosses.
With all this going on it is easier to understand why a public petition to nationalise water has resulted in a Parliament debate scheduled for September 2026. It is also easy to understand why there is a hosepipe ban in so many areas of the country, given the water companies’ failures in securing supplies and stemming leaks.
Consumer expert Helen Dewdney, AKA The Complaining Cow, has been examining what the hosepipe bans means for consumers.
An unenforced rule?
Under the terms of section 76(5) of the Water Industry Act 1991, if any person fails to comply with the terms of the TUB that person shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction in the Magistrates’ Court to a fine of up to £1000.
However, it would appear that no-one has ever been prosecuted and in some cases companies actively discourage reporting of breaches.
In addition it would appear there are numerous exemptions.
Exemptions to the hosepipe ban
The hosepipe ban does not apply if:
- The water you’re using is not from the mains supply (it’s taken from a water butt or other recycled water storage system).
- A trickle irrigation system if it: is fitted with a timer and pressure-reducing valve is not hand-held, delivers water directly to the soil and does not spray water into the air.
There are numerous other exceptions for businesses, medical and veterinary environments, for example.
Priority Services Register
Most consumers on the Priority Services Register (PSR) are exempt. This also provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to water, electricity or gas supplies. You can join the register if you:
- Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water
- Live with children under five
- Are blind or partially sighted
- Are deaf or hard of hearing
- Have a chronic illness
- Have anxiety, depression or any mental health condition
- Have a disability
- Are of pensionable age
- Loss or impairment of smell
- Need documents translated into another format or language
- Temporarily need extra support
You should also double check that this has been passed to your providers. Your PSR status will not be sold on or used for marketing. Each provider may have slightly different rules and say that not everyone on the register will be exempt.
TikTok video explaining the exemptions
@thecomplainingcow You may still be able to use a hose for certain things. #hosepipe #hose #watershortage #consumerrights #vulnerable
What the water companies with a hosepipe ban say
Dewdney asked water companies when a ban was introduced and if anyone had ever been prosecuted for using a hosepipe in breach of the ban.
Welsh Water introduced a ban on 19 July 2026 across Mid and South Ceredigion, together with parts of north Pembrokeshire and north Carmarthenshire. They said:
Our approach is to help customers understand why these temporary restrictions are needed and encourage everyone to play their part. Our focus is on clear communication and public support.
We worked with customers during the temporary use ban in 2022 and didn’t prosecute anyone – we expect a similar response from customers this year.”
Thames Water brought in a ban on 23 July 2026. It says that it doesn’t want households contacting them to report their neighbours. It refused to answer whether anyone has ever been fined in previous or current hosepipe bans.
Cambridge Water announced a ban on 17 July 2026, the first time in 30 years. It has never prosecuted anyone for using a hosepipe. It says that they have received a handful of hosepipe ban breach reports which they are looking into. CW said:
Potential breaches will be investigated in the first instance as someone may have been incorrectly reported to us who is exempt. We will provide advice to the customer and remind them of the restrictions that are in place. As no hosepipe restrictions have been implemented for so many years, knowledge beyond the basics is generally lacking, so having clear set of Q&As around what uses are and are not allowed, and the exemptions which apply, has been vital.”
Affinity Water’s ban came in on 17 July 2026.They responded:
Affinity Water’s approach is to encourage and support customers to comply with the restrictions rather than pursue enforcement. Where a potential breach is reported, the first step is to contact the customer to ensure they are aware of the Temporary Use Ban and to establish whether they may be exempt. The focus is on providing advice and guidance, with legal enforcement considered only as a last resort where someone continues to breach the restrictions after being made aware of them.”
Essex and Suffolk banned hosepipes from August 2026 and commented:
This is the first time we have introduced a Temporary Use Ban in 30 years, so it’s not something we can answer!
While water customers can theoretically face fines of up to £1,000, it doesn’t appear that anyone has ever been fined. Water companies overwhelmingly rely on education and voluntary compliance, with most saying they have never prosecuted anyone or refuse to say if they have done so.”
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