Hosepipe ban loopholes mean people can still water trees or fill up a pond – as FOUR new regions hit by restrictions

HOSEPIPE ban loopholes could mean Brits can still water their trees or fill up a pond despite strict restrictions being put in place. It comes as four regions are set to be hit with new rules this week in a move that will affect millions of households. This exemption applies only if using a watering can is not a practical alternative Credit: Curly_photo South East Water has said 2.4million customers will be affected by temporary restrictions in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire from Saturday. The ban had already been in place just for its customers in parts of Kent. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! On Friday, Affinity Water and Cambridge Water announced similar measures. The move affects residents living in Central region, covering Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and parts of London. Water suppliers are asking customers to cut back water use straight away, telling them not to use hosepipes for their gardens, cars, patios, boats or swimming pools. Under the Temporary Use Ban put in place, however, you can use a hosepipe to water trees, saplings, whips, and hedging planted within the last three years. This exemption applies only if using a watering can is not a practical alternative. Under a hosepipe ban, given the “very high level” of demand for drinking water, residents cannot use hosepipes or sprinklers to water gardens, wash cars, or fill up swimming and paddling pools. Most read in The Sun Breaking these rules can see homeowners fined for £1,000, which is enforced by the water company. Similarly, if you have a pool or pond with any fish or aquatic life living in it, you can use a hosepipe to make sure it is topped up. This rule is the same for ornamental fountains if they are used to oxygenate a fish pond – however, this is not the case if it is purely decorational. However, the ban does not limit essential uses, including watering lawns for specific reasons, and filling up ponds. Individuals who have newly-laid turf in their garden are able to water their lawns for a restricted period of time, typically 28 days, then transitioning to a watering can. This allows the newly-installed lawn to establish roots, preventing the grass from drying out completely. Comment now