Hosepipe ban exemptions: All the ways Britons can legally ignore restrictions

Taxi drivers and crop farmers are among the large segments of people legally allowed to ignore the hose ban in their areas.

Millions of Britons are living under cyclone bans as fears of drought grow in the worst-hit areas.

The heatwave that hit the UK this year broke records for eight days of 34C or above per year. And last month was the hottest month on record for the UK.

Anglian Water, which serves much of the east of England, imposed the ban on more than 5 million customers on Saturday.

Large parts of Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are also under a cyclone ban, as are large areas of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey.

There are also bans in mid-Devon and parts of East Devon, and parts of London and Essex. Cambridge Water has introduced one for the first time in three decades.

The rules state that most customers cannot fill swimming or children’s pools, water their gardens or clean their cars. Anyone who breaches the official ban could be fined up to £1,000.

But there are many exceptions, often based on additional needs or the use of water to protect people or animals.

Water companies generally exempt from priority service registrations people who cannot accommodate due to health condition or disability, Blue Badge holders and people who need to protect human health or safety.

The use of water for the welfare of animals, including pets, livestock and fish, is also permitted.

These are other exemptions granted by South West Water:

Gardeners can also water trees, hedges and saplings planted in the previous planting season when a watering can is not possible; the lawn is laid in 28 days; plants for 14 days after purchase and food crops grown at home or in a private area where it is not possible to use a watering can.

A pool, paddling pool or jacuzzi can be filled with a hose if necessary for medical or veterinary treatment or animal welfare; for medical or therapeutic use; It is under construction and needs to be filled as part of the construction.

If a pond or pool is used as part of a recognized religious practice, it is also exempt.

If the water is coming from a stock, hose pipes can be used.

Anyone who cleans exterior surfaces of a home, such as windows, driveways, patios, and driveways, may use a hose if it is part of a professional service or job.

Vehicle owners can use a hose if they are using a low-water device such as a pressure washer; cleaning a vehicle as part of a specialized job such as a car wash; the vehicle is used for public services, commercial purposes or for the purpose of transporting goods, or the vehicle is a taxi, commercial vehicle or freight vehicle.

Motorhome or motorhome owners can use a hose to fill the tank if necessary for necessary washing, cooking and sanitation.

On boats, the hose can be used by anyone cleaning it as part of a job or professional service; Anyone who cleans to prevent the spread of non-native species or to remove graffiti or if the vessel is used for commercial activity or public services.

Growers of crops, fruits, vegetables and plants grown for commercial sale, as well as national plant collections and temporary public flower or garden exhibitions, are exempt from the ban.

A drip or trickle irrigation system with time and pressure reducing valves that delivers water directly to the soil can be used.

Sports fields are exempt, provided that irrigation is done outside peak hours such as 08.00-10.00 in the morning and 17.00-21.00 in the evening.

Even where exemptions apply, people are asked to be mindful of water “to help protect essential resources.”