The BBC asked the four water companies whether they had ever issued fines for breaches.
Only Yorkshire Water directly answered this, saying it had never issued a single fine and would prefer not to do so, instead asking customers to “respect” the restrictions.
The company said it had received at least 100 reports of people who had continued to use hosepipes since the ban came into effect for more than five million households on 11 July.
“If we are told repeatedly about someone breaking the restrictions, the first thing we do is remind them of their obligations – that is usually enough,” a spokesperson said.
“However, if they continue to use a hosepipe, we may escalate our enforcement accordingly.”
The other three suppliers did not say if they had ever issued fines, but they all said enforcement would be the very final option.
Southern Water will first write to a customer who has been reported for using their hosepipe to remind them of the ban. The company said it might take enforcement action for “repeated or serious breaches”.
On its website, South East Water says prosecution is “very much a last resort” and “something no company wants to have to do”.
Police have told people not to contact them to report breaches of the ban, and instead to report them to their water company directly.
But Thames Water has said customers do not need to report breaches at all, adding that it “may get in touch with customers who repeatedly don’t follow the rules… just to make sure they’re aware of the restrictions and how to use water responsibly”.
Trade body Water UK said it was not aware of anyone having ever been fined for using a hosepipe, though it did not hold data.