Yorkshire Water Implements First Hosepipe Ban of 2025
Yorkshire Water has officially implemented the first hosepipe ban of 2025, effective from Friday, July 11th, affecting 5.5 million households across the region. The unprecedented restrictions come after Yorkshire experienced the driest spring in 132 years, leading to the region being declared officially in drought status in June.
The Scale of the Crisis
The ban covers all domestic recreational water use through hosepipes, including watering gardens, washing cars, filling paddling pools, and cleaning outdoor surfaces. Dave Kaye, Yorkshire Water's director of water service delivery, emphasized the gravity of the situation: "Our reservoir stocks haven't increased since the last week of January. Normally our groundwater sources and reservoirs get topped up over spring when the weather is changeable, but this year we've had the driest spring on record."
Yorkshire received just 15cm of rainfall between February and June – less than half of what would be expected in an average year. This has left reservoirs at 55.8% full, which is 26.1% lower than normal for this time of year. The combination of record-low rainfall and higher-than-usual water demand due to warm temperatures has created a perfect storm for water shortages.
What the Ban Means
The restrictions prohibit using hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning vehicles or boats, filling domestic swimming pools, and cleaning paths or driveways. However, residents can still carry out these activities using buckets or watering cans filled from taps. Importantly, rainwater collection from water butts and private boreholes can still be used through hosepipes, providing alternative water sources for gardening enthusiasts.
Businesses are permitted to use hosepipes if directly related to commercial purposes, such as watering crops or cleaning commercial vehicles essential to operations. Blue Badge holders, customers on Yorkshire Water's Priority Services Register, and those on the WaterSure tariff for medical reasons are exempt from the restrictions.
Enforcement and Duration
Yorkshire Water has the legal authority to impose fines of up to £1,000 for breaches of the ban, though the company hopes enforcement won't be necessary. The restrictions will remain in place until the region receives significant rainfall and reservoir levels recover. With forecasts predicting continued dry weather, the ban could potentially last into winter months.
The hosepipe restrictions also enable Yorkshire Water to apply for drought permits, allowing them to modify their operations to further protect water supplies and the environment. This represents a crucial step in their drought management plan, designed to ensure essential water supplies continue flowing while protecting Yorkshire's precious water resources for the future.