Feeling the heat: Hosepipe ban in force across Yorkshire

Yorkshire Water announced yesterday it will introduce a hosepipe ban, taking effect from Friday (July 11).

- by Dennis Morton

The company says the restrictions across the county are necessary after the region experienced the driest spring on record.

People will be prohibited from using hosepipes to water their gardens or plants, wash private vehicles or boats, fill or maintain swimming pools, paddling pools, hot tubs or cold-water plunge pools, as well as fill or maintain domestic ponds or ornamental fountains.

The ban also restricts the use of hosepipes for cleaning home walls, windows, paths, patios or artificial outdoor surfaces.

You can, however, still carry out these activities using water from a bucket or watering can, or utilising any water not sourced from the mains supply such as rainwater.

Blue badge holders and people registered with Yorkshire Water's Priority Services or the WaterSure tariff are exempt, as are businesses that use hosepipes for commercial purposes.