Water Conservation Orders

A number of water supply schemes across the country are experiencing water shortages and reduced pressure where there are low raw water sources or reservoir levels. This is due to a range of factors including high demand for water and prolonged periods of low rainfall levels.

In unique circumstances, a water conservation order (or hosepipe ban) is introduced if absolutely necessary. Water conservation orders ensure that people only use water for essential purposes, in areas where there is a serious deficiency of water available for distribution. Conserving and reducing water consumption is these circumstances is critical to ensure continuity of supply.

Prohibited use

Use of water drawn through a hosepipe or similar apparatus for the purpose of: 

1. watering a garden
2. cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a domestic hosepipe
3. cleaning a private leisure boat
4. filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool (except when using hand held containers filled directly from a tap)
5. filling or maintaining a domestic pond (excluding fish ponds)
6. filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain (with the exception of such use for commercial purposes)
7. filling or replenishing an artificial pond, lake or similar application.

We're asking the public to help play their part in protecting essential water supplies for their local communities, and to conserve water where possible. We will continue to monitor the levels at all our supplies and take any actions that may be necessary to maintain supplies.