Parts of England have been told to snitch on their neighbours if they catch them repeatedly flouting a hosepipe ban. Sky News reports anyone taken to court for persistent breaches of restrictions on hosepipe bans, including watering a garden, cleaning a vehicle, washing windows, walls, paths or patios, faces a fine of up to £1,000.
Filling up a paddling pool, domestic pond or ornamental fountain is also prohibited. However, the measures will leave gardeners fuming in the heatwave as they face sanctions under Temporary Use Bans (TUBs).
Due to the sizzling temperatures, a hosepipe ban came into force yesterday (Friday) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - the first to be imposed in the region since 2012. South East Water is implementing a ban for its customers in Kent and Sussex from August 12, while Pembrokeshire in Wales will also be hit by a hosepipe ban from August 19.
Parts of England have seen the driest July on record following the driest eight-month period from November 2021 for the country since 1976. The Met Office also says there is "very little meaningful rain" on the horizon for parched areas.
Householders who have not yet been hit by restrictions are being urged to avoid using hosepipes for watering the garden or cleaning the car. Southern Water, which covers Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, stressed there was no risk to the overall water supply, but the ban was needed to protect the environment.
The company encouraged people to "gently remind" neighbours of the rules. A spokesperson said: "If you see anyone breaching the restrictions, please let us know via our customer service team.
"A fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed for any breaches. We would like to thank all our customers for supporting these restrictions and for doing your bit to protect your local rivers."
Dr Alison Hoyle, director of risk and compliance at Southern Water, said: "We haven't taken this decision lightly, and we know the temporary use ban will have an impact on our customers. We're asking everyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to do their bit by supporting these measures and only use the water that they need."
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