| If the FAQs don't
answer my question, who can I call? |
If you don't find the information you need here, please
call our dedicated drought line on 0845 641 0019.
| Do I get my water
from Thames Water? |
Our supply area covers 5000 square miles across London
and the Thames Valley: from Kent in the east to Gloucestershire
in the west. See also Thames
Water region map
| Can I water my garden
using a hosepipe, sprinkler, perforated hose, trigger
hose or similar apparatus? |
No, the ban prohibits the watering of private gardens
using these apparatus.
| Can I water my garden
using a hosepipe, sprinkler, perforated hose, trigger
hose or similar apparatus? |
No, the ban prohibits the watering of private gardens
using these apparatus.
| Can I water my allotment
using a hosepipe, sprinkler, perforated hose, trigger
hose or similar apparatus? |
No, an allotment is classed as a private garden.
| Can I use a short
length of hosepipe to fill containers? |
Yes, if to fill a container, e.g. watering can or
bucket.
| Can I use a hosepipe
to reuse wash water, i.e. from the bath or washing
machine? |
Yes, a hosepipe may be used to syphon water for reuse.
| Can I wash my car
using a hosepipe? |
No, the ban restricts the washing of private motorcars
with hosepipes.
N.B. You may still use a bucket.
| Can I use a hosepipe
to wash my caravan/trailer? |
No, the ban includes any vehicle drawn by a private
motorcar.
N.B. You may still use a bucket.
| Can I wash my company
car using a hosepipe? |
No, this is still a private motorcar.
N.B. You may still use a bucket.
| Can I wash my taxi
using a hosepipe? |
No, this is classed as a private motorcar.
N.B. You may still use a bucket.
| Can I still top-up
my fish pond / hot tub / swimming pool? |
Yes, there are no restrictions on these activities.
| My neighbour has
his hosepipe running all night. What is Thames Water
going to do to stop this waste of water? |
All violations of water use restrictions will be taken
seriously. If you wish to make a formal complaint, we
would be grateful if you could let us have a written
statement.
| Will you prosecute
me if I still use my hosepipe or sprinkler? |
All violations of water use restrictions will be taken
seriously and this could include a £1000 fine.
| The golf course
near where I live is still watering their greens.
Aren't they included in the ban? |
The current water restrictions ban the use of hosepipes
or sprinklers for domestic use. If the drought situation
continues we may apply to the Government for further
restrictions on non-essential use.
| Why are you still
asking me to save water when recently it's been
raining heavily? |
We have now had two dry winters in a row. We still
need a significant period of continuous rain to replenish
underground water sources, boost river flows and keep
reservoirs full throughout the summer. Find out more
about the water shortage.
| Why isn't there
a national water grid? |
A national water grid is not considered to be a viable
option for a number of reasons. Find out more here.
| Why don't you capture
more water when it rains? |
Rainfall does run off the ground into rivers and reservoirs.
Where practical, river water is pumped into reservoirs.
To top up underground water levels we need constant
rain so it can soak through the soil. Hard surfaces
such as roads and roofs mean water can't easily soak
into the ground.
| Why not move water
from the North of the country? |
In the short term, water companies are using interconnecting
pipelines that already exist in the region. They enable
water to be transferred short distances between neighbouring
areas. The water companies are using these pipelines
to manage water resources in the south. Improvements
made in the last few years have put us in a better position
now than we would have been otherwise.
There is not a national grid for water. To put in a
national grid would be technically extremely complex
as water is very heavy – it weighs about 1 ton
per cubic metre. It would take time and considerable
cost – which would inevitably be passed on to
customers – and would also have a high environmental
impact.
| What about housing
growth? |
The current drought has been caused by lack of rainfall,
it is not related to the proposed housing growth for
the south east. Water resources schemes are being planned
to ensure that water companies can continue supplying
water to existing and new customers in the south east.
Water companies have 25 year plans, agreed with the
Environment Agency, to provide these extra resources
to meet both new and existing demand.
We urge government to make changes to building regulations
to ensure new homes are built to high water efficiency
standards.
Water is a finite resource. The amount available in
the future also depends on everyone using less. Fitting
new homes with water efficiency measures such as low
flush toilets could reduce water use by up to 25 per
cent. It is essential that pressure is put on developers
to install these water efficiency measures as a basic
standard.
See also
Water authorities
Frequently asked questions for Thames
Water
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