It’s been a hot summer, no doubt about that. But perhaps more significant is the fact that it has also been a dry one – with the exception of this last week. The lack of rain is problematic, as it is what our community depends on in order to fulfil our water needs. Before we hear you say it – we know that there’s plenty of rainfall in the winter months – but that doesn’t mean reservoirs and collection streams are able to store that water and save it for a ‘not so’ rainy day. The balancing act is difficult and when the scales don’t tip in our direction, water restrictions are a positive way to make a difference.
What do water restrictions mean for you and your home?
There’s a broad term ‘hosepipe ban’ which floats around. It’s far easier to talk about than ‘water restrictions’ as it’s more descriptive of what’s actually going on. But let’s dig a little deeper and discuss the specific actions that are being prohibited.
- Watering your garden and plants using a hosepipe
- Filling or maintaining a paddling pool or swimming pool
- Cleaning your vehicle
- Cleaning windows, paths, patios and any other artificial outdoor surface.
- Recreational water fights etc.
There are of course some exceptions. For example, you can use a hosepipe to water allotments or patches growing essential food. You can also use it to help growing plants in their first 28 days after being planted. There are also exceptions for those with mobility issues who cannot use a watering can. However, for the majority of us, there is little impact on how we use our water. Let’s take a look at how you can adapt your lifestyle to the latest water restrictions while still enjoying the hot weather.

How to adapt to the current water restrictions?
The first restriction of using a hosepipe to water your garden is quite simply a way to minimise waste. It can be very easy to overwater plants and leave the hosepipe on for excessive durations. With every minute using 15 litres compared to a watering can using just 10 litres. Ditching the hosepipe isn’t a difficult restriction to follow and it simply means you’re being more careful about how to use water.
That’s how we must all think of these water restrictions. Not what they stop you from doing but how they alter your actions instead. You can clean your car or your windows using a bucket of water. Sure, it might be easier with a hosepipe, but it isn’t essential, just like a paddling pool – not essential.

How can you prevent any restrictions in the future?
While these restrictions might feel unjustified. After all, we are paying for a service that isn’t being provided as expected. But water works differently than any other utility. It’s a finite resource, one that hugely depends on the climate, and as users, we have a tendency to overuse it.
Water doesn’t suddenly run out in summer because it gets drier – although that is a huge factor. Our consumption also dramatically increases and we become careless in regards to how we use it throughout our homes and gardens. So how do we prevent it? By doing whatever we can to work towards using 100 litres a day – something we’ve covered recently.
Breaking it down, you can see that the water restrictions imposed on us all aren’t actually that detrimental. It is less ‘you can’t use water’ and instead ‘use water a little different’. It’s a case of imagining the hosepipe was never invented and you’re going about most of your essential tasks as normal. It may not come as a surprise that millions of us have already ditched hosepipes and are regularly reducing water consumption – it’s about time we all do. So spread the word and speak to your neighbours and friends about their habits too.
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How do I get an 8 character code in order to claim my points ?
Hi Sam, if you scroll to the bottom of the blog after reading, a code will appear. Simply follow the copy and paste instructions. If you’re still struggling please get in touch.