Should You Report A Neighbour For Breaking A Hosepipe Ban? The Rules And Fines Explained

It’s official: we’re in a hosepipe ban. Drought is looming, lawns are turning brown and gardeners are locking up their sprinklers.

But what happens if you spot the unthinkable: your neighbour, hosepipe in hand, merrily watering away? Or if someone’s lawn is still looking suspiciously green and moist? Should you confront them, report them… or turn a blind eye?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Can you report someone for breaking a hosepipe ban?

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In short, yes. Water companies can receive and investigate reports of suspected breaches in areas where a Temporary Use Ban (the official term for a hosepipe ban) is in force.

Reports should be directed to the company that supplies drinking water to the property, not the police or local council. This may be different from the company that provides wastewater services.

Some suppliers have an online form for reporting water misuse, such as breaching a hosepipe ban. Others ask customers to use their usual contact channels. You can use Water UK’s postcode tool to identify the relevant supplier.

Before making a report, check that:

A ban is currently in force at that address (you can check what areas are affected on Water UK’s website)The activity you witnessed is covered by that particular banThere are no obvious indications that non-mains water is being used (such as a water butt)It doesn’t fall under a relevant exemption

Restrictions and exemptions vary between water companies, so national summaries shouldn’t be treated as a substitute for their own legal notice.

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What happens if you report them?

Worst case scenario is a fine of up to £1,000. This is because contravening a Temporary Use Ban can be an offence under the Water Industry Act 1991.

However, water companies generally prefer to offer advice and support first. They may receive reminder letters, emails or text messages explaining the restrictions.

If this is knowingly or repeatedly ignored, things can escalate to prosecution and, if convicted, a fine.

Should you speak to your neighbour first?

Water UK recommends considering a polite reminder first, where appropriate and safe to do so. A friendly conversation could reveal an innocent explanation – they may be using collected rainwater, for example, or relying on a hosepipe ban exemption you were unaware of.

If you do chose to go down this route, try to avoid beginning with an accusation. A neutral question, such as, “I wasn’t sure what the ban allowed – is that water from your water butt?” is less likely to provoke an argument.

Why might someone still be allowed to use a hosepipe?

Before you jump to the worst possible conclusion, it’s worth noting that a hosepipe ban does not necessarily prohibit using a hose. Rather, it restricts certain uses of water supplied by the water company.

There are several hosepipe ban exemptions that mean someone may be using one legitimately, including:

The water is not coming from the mains.They have a disability or health-related exemption.The water is needed for animal welfare.They are watering food crops or an allotment (although, under the ban, you generally cannot use a hosepipe to water a non-commercial vegetable patch or allotment)Their trees, hedging or turf are newly planted.

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How to report a suspected breach of the hosepipe ban

So you’ve checked the exemptions and decided that your neighbour needs to be reported. Here’s what to do:

Confirm that a ban covers their address (you can use this postcode checker).Read that supplier’s current restrictions and exemptions.Visit the supplier’s website and look for its water-misuse or hosepipe-ban reporting form.Provide factual details of what you observed.

Do not contact the emergency services or council. Hosepipe restrictions are administered by water companies and not a matter for the police.

Ultimately, the aim of a hosepipe ban is to reduce demand, protect water supplies and relieve pressure on rivers and wildlife – ideally not to create conflicts between neighbours.

While it can be frustrating if you think someone is flouting the rules, checking the facts before acting is the best way to support both the environment and your local community.

Restrictions and exemptions can change and vary between suppliers. Always consult the latest guidance an legal notices published by the company that supplies your water.

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Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.