Can a hosepipe ban impact my small business?

Is my business exempt from the hosepipe ban?

The temporary restrictions stop people from using a hosepipe to water gardens and plants, clean cars, wash windows, and fill paddling pools.

Not following the rules can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Fortunately, the ban only applies to domestic use, so businesses using water for commercial reasons are exempt from the restrictions.

If you use a hosepipe as part of your business services to customers then you’re still allowed to use it, even during the temporary use ban.

Hosepipe ban exemptions

You can use a hosepipe if you’re:

• watering a garden or land that’s used by a business for growing any crops, fruits, vegetables, or other plants for sale or commercial use

• providing cleaning as a service to customers, including cleaning private leisure boats, windows, paths, and patios

• washing taxis, goods vehicles, or commercial vehicles

• filling or maintaining a water fountain if it’s used for recognised religious practices

• filling or maintaining a domestic pond when it’s for the welfare of the fish or aquatic animals in the pond

• cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces – if it’s part of a service to customers