9/7/12 The hosepipe ban has now been lifted.

Veolia Central water company has announced that there will be a hosepipe ban in effect from 5th April 2012; this means that you cannot use a hosepipe for a range of domestic, outdoor and recreational activities until further notice.

As we’re all supplied by this company now is a good time to check the water butts are connected up to the guttering etc so that should we get the prolonged summer or drought expected then you’ll still have a small way of watering the garden! The following is taken from the website, as applicable to Knaphill:

“Why is a ban necessary?
The South East of England is in a drought situation following two consecutive autumn and winter periods of below average rainfall. We have taken this decision after careful consideration of our current water resources, the long term weather prospects and the overall needs of the environment but with much regret for the inconvenience it may cause for our customers. This action has the support of the Environment Agency, Water UK, CCWater and other water companies in the South East.

My house is/is not metered, so does the restriction affect me?
Yes. All customers in the Veolia Water Central area have to abide by the ban.

Can I use a hosepipe from a private borehole, artificial lake, or a well?
The temporary use ban does not cover water from a private source, such as a private borehole, but we would very much encourage you to use water carefully at such an important time. You may not use a hosepipe from the mains to replenish stored water supplies.

A temporary use ban means you cannot use a hosepipe for a range of domestic, outdoor and recreational activities until further notice. This includes the following uses:

1. watering a garden using a hosepipe (except the watering of a field of play to be used for a national or international sporting event);
2. cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe;
3. watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe (except by persons who are registered disabled and/or are of extreme frailty, conditional in each case upon prior written approval and the terms and conditions set out in the Exceptions Policy published on our website. );
4. cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe;
5. filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool;
6. drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use;
7. filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe;
8. filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain;
9. cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe;
10. cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe; and
11. cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.

A complete list of prohibited uses and exceptions is available on our website. Please click here Drought restrictions explained.

The term “hosepipe” is not itself defined but includes anything designed, adapted or used to serve the same purpose as a hosepipe. This means that garden sprinklers and irrigation systems, connected to the mains water supply, (including micro-irrigation, seep hoses, drip feed systems) are all considered to be hosepipes.

We are asking our customers to be sensible about using water around the home (see examples in the garden and home sections below). A temporary use ban helps to reduce the demand for water and it also raises awareness of the drought.

We have created a dedicated website www.veoliawater.co.uk/drought to host useful information for both commercial and domestic customers.”

Woking Borough Council’s advice on saving water can be found here.