Gardening enthusiasts, take note: a workaround discovered for the hosepipe ban could spare your lawn in the upcoming summer season. Here's a rundown of the regulations regarding water usage.
In England, hosepipe bans are implemented during periods of water scarcity to conserve water resources. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly when it comes to watering new turf and fresh grass seed. Here's a guide to help gardeners navigate the rules during hosepipe bans.
Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and South East Water are among the water suppliers that allow the use of a hosepipe for watering new lawns and fresh grass seed, but only within specific conditions and for a limited time.
Thames Water, for instance, permits the use of a hosepipe only on new lawns within the first 28 days after planting, sowing, or turf laying. After 28 days, hosepipe use must stop, but watering cans or irrigation systems remain allowed. It's important to note that hose use must be limited strictly to the new lawn and not extended elsewhere.
Yorkshire Water allows watering newly laid turf or grass seed within the first 28 days if the turf was laid before the ban started, as an exemption during the hosepipe ban. After this period or if laid after the ban starts, hosepipe use is prohibited. Allotment holders are also exempt to water crops with a hosepipe if watering cans are insufficient.
South East Water enforces a hosepipe ban but makes an exemption to allow watering food crops at domestic premises or private allotments with a hosepipe if it cannot reasonably be done with a watering can. While specific new lawn exemptions are not detailed in the same way, the general approach prioritizes limited exemption for necessary watering of new growth.
It's crucial to remember that watering gardens (including established lawns and flowers) with a hosepipe is prohibited during hosepipe bans. Watering cans and buckets are encouraged as alternatives.
The 28-day rule for watering new turf applies from the day of planting, sowing, or turf laying. After this period, you must switch to watering cans or alternative methods allowed under the ban. Each water company has slightly different rules regarding this hosepipe ban loophole, so it's always best to confirm with your local water company for the most precise instructions relevant to your area.
Sophie King, the Gardens Editor, advises gardeners to seek alternatives to hosepipes whenever possible during a hosepipe ban. She encourages the use of watering cans or correctly configured drip watering systems. King, who joined the platform team as Gardens Editor in June 2024, is always on the lookout for the latest garden trends and loves sharing growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to balconies.
It's worth noting that breaking hosepipe bans may lead to warnings or fines up to £1,000. During a hosepipe ban, it's essential to be mindful of water usage and to use water-saving methods whenever possible.
If you've just had new turf laid, you can use a hosepipe for up to 28 days. However, it's important to use your hosepipe to water the new turf only and nowhere else in the garden. Also, remember to water during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, to minimise water wastage.
In conclusion, while hosepipe bans can be challenging for gardeners, there are exceptions for watering new turf and fresh grass seed. Always check with your local water company for the most accurate information and remember to use water-saving methods whenever possible.
During hosepipe bans, you can use a hosepipe to water new turf for up to 28 days, but only for the specific lawn and not for the rest of your garden. Avoid watering during peak hours to minimize water wastage.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts who have just laid new turf or fresh grass seed can take advantage of exceptions in hosepipe bans, but it's essential to follow the rules set by water suppliers like Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and South East Water.
