What is a hosepipe ban? The key rules and exemptions

The UK’s first 2026 hosepipe ban has just been announced, which means the blisteringly hot weather is finally starting to affect the way we garden. What is a hosepipe ban, though?

In a nutshell, a hosepipe ban (or a Temporary Use Ban) stops us from using a hosepipe connected to a mains water supply, and it usually crops up during prolonged dry spells, or periods of low rainfall. Although we had heavy rain fairly recently, this week’s red weather warning has forced a ban in parts of Kent sooner than we expected.

Thankfully, there are other ways to water your garden during a hosepipe ban – you’ll just need to keep these rules in mind to avoid stumbling into any fines.

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So, what is a hosepipe ban?

‘Under a hosepipe ban, gardeners are restricted from using hoses to water lawns, fill paddling pools, or clean patios,’ says Tom Clamp, head of technical at Pelsis Doff, a manufacturer of garden products.

It isn’t just a term that’s thrown around casually, either – there are a few repercussions for not following hosepipe ban rules.

‘These restrictions are enforced under Section 76 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and can carry fines of up to £1,000 for non-compliance,’ explains LeAnne Samuelson, botanical expert at Prestige Botanicals.

‘Millions of homeowners were impacted by major hosepipe bans last year and it’s expected similar rules will be in place this summer,’ adds Chris McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People.

‘So gardeners, need to adapt and introduce some water-saving methods in their own garden to protect it from the challenges ahead.’

What can you do in a hosepipe ban?

So, we’ve established that we can’t use a hose during a hosepipe ban – but how are we allowed to water our gardens?

‘You can still use water outside, but it must be with a bucket or watering can instead of a hosepipe,’ explains Richard Barker, commercial director at LBS Horticulture.

You can fill up your watering can or bucket it at the mains supply, but you can’t use a hose. If you’ve installed a water butt, that gets the green light during a hosepipe ban, too.

‘Collected rainwater (when available) or grey water (such as bath water) can be used as alternative sources,’ says Tom from Pelsis Doff.

You can order a simple Whitefurze 230L Water Butt and Kit from Argos to save any rain we might get over the months ahead.

Hosepipe ban essentials

Who is exempt from the hosepipe ban?

There are a few exceptions to a hosepipe ban – although everyone is encouraged to conserve water as much as possible – depending on your region.

People who may find it hard to make adaptations and are registered with the South East Water’s Priority Service Register will be granted an automatic exemption to any of the restrictions.

‘If you are a blue badge holder, on our Priority Services register, or our WaterSure tariff for medical reasons, then you will be an exception to the restrictions,’ says South East Water on their website.

There are also Health, Safety and Welfare exemptions in parts of Kent.

‘Using a hosepipe where the welfare and/or health and safety of animals including fish is paramount will not be restricted – therefore their drinking or living requirements will not be affected and you can continue to use a hosepipe for these purposes,’ says South East Water.

Businesses, too, can be exempt from hosepipe ban rules, depending on their purpose.

‘Businesses are still permitted to use hosepipes if they are directly related to a commercial purpose,’ explains Richard from LBS Horticulture.

So, if a hosepipe ban comes into effect in your area, you’ll be restricted from using a hosepipe connected to a mains water supply unless you meet any of the exemption criteria.

You can use a watering can or a bucket, though – and make use of that water butt, if it’s full!