1 April 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE use of hosepipes will be banned in the South East from 5 April following a winter which has seen local reservoirs fail to refill because of unusually poor rainfall.

The restrictions mean householders will be banned from using water for the following activities:

• Watering gardens with a hosepipe. The ban also extends to the watering of lawns, parks, public gardens, allotments and grass used for non-commercial sport and recreation
• Watering domestic plants with a hosepipe
• Using a hosepipe for domestic recreation
• Non-commercial cleaning of domestic windows, walls, paths or patios with a hosepipe
• Washing private cars or boats with a hosepipe
• Filling or topping up domestic swimming pools or paddling pools
• Filling or topping up domestic ponds using a hosepipe
• Filling or topping up an ornamental fountain
• Cleaning outdoor surfaces with a hosepipe
• Failure to comply would result in a £1,000 fine.