Many areas of the UK have been affected by water shortages as high temperatures and dry conditions continue to cause problems.
Thames Valley has become the latest water company to signal that it will introduce a ban on water cannons in the face of the hot summer.
South East Water has confirmed a Prohibit the use of hoses and sprinklers to its customers in Kent and Sussex under the same restrictions by Southern country.
Sky News looks at what residents should be aware of if a hose ban is in place in their area.
What you can and can’t do during the flexible hose ban
When there is a ban, you must not use hoses connected to the main water supply.
This means that people must not use hoses to empty into paddle pools or swimming pools; cleaning the walls or windows of an indoor property; cleaning a private recreational boat; fill a pond in the water; maintain a fountain; clean patios or any man-made surface outdoors.
According to South East Water, the hose ban also includes anything “modified” to serve the same purpose as a hose.
What is an exemption?
There are certain exemptions for certain people with “specific circumstances”.
Flexible hoses can be used when needed for “inevitable” health and safety reasons.
This could be to eliminate or minimize risks to human or animal health – or to prevent the spread of pathogens or diseases.
Hoses can also be used to protect the general welfare of animals – including fish.
South East Water said it can still “question your use” of the exemption if it receives a report of hose use.
What is defined as a garden by the water company?
A garden is private or public and can be a lawn, park, lawn or an area used for sport or recreation, according to South East Water.
It can also be an allocation used for non-commercial purposes.
But the company said this is not agricultural land or land used for the business of growing trees, fruits, vegetables or other plants for sale.
The garden is not a place to display flowers or grow plants in pots outdoors or in covered ground.
Can I use a hose to wash my car?
No – you cannot use this method to clean any personal vehicles.
But you can clean the car with a hose if it is done as a service to the customer “in the course of business”.
Read more:
What uses the most water in our homes?
What are water companies doing with their infrastructure?
According to a report by the National Audit Office, three billion liters of water are lost due to leaks every day.
According to Water UK, some 216,000 miles of pipeline date back to the 19th century.
Ofwat, the water regulator, says leaks have fallen by 36% between 1994 and 2000 – but since then, only 8%.
Water utilities have been criticized for the daily amount of water leaking – which also causes some roads to flood – which puts additional strain on water supplies.
