Hosepipe ban fines: How are people caught when they flout the rules?

The UK has had one of the hottest summers on record, with temperatures reaching a mind-melting 40C last month.

The Met Office warned of more heatwaves to come at the time and finally they are on the horizon.

Temperatures are expected to reach 36C across some regions of the UK, leaving the south of England dry for weeks on end.

In response, multiple water companies have announced hosepipe bans to help conserve supplies for emergencies and environmental action.

Flouting the rules can incur a hefty fine and Brits are being urged to keep an eye on their neighbours during the bans.

Which areas have hosepipe bans?

Hosepipe bans have been issued in parts of the south of England including Hampshire (Getty Images)

The first hosepipe ban came into effect on August 5, impacting residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

South East Water has also confirmed a ban set to start on August 12, which will affect Kent and Sussex.

England isn’t alone, as Pembrokeshire in Wales is also bringing in a hosepipe ban from August 19.

With the UK expected to be hit with hot and dry weather again in the coming weeks, more bans could soon be announced.

How do people get caught flouting hosepipe ban rules?

People have been encouraged to keep an eye on their neighbours (Getty Images)

People are caught when neighbours report your water usage habits to the main supplier.

Southern Water, which brought in the August 5 ban, has encouraged its customers to “gently remind” their neighbours about the restrictions.

In a statement, the company wrote: "If you notice a neighbour, family or friend, in the affected areas, using water for the restricted activities please gently remind them of the restrictions in place and direct them to our website for more information."

A spokesperson from Southern Water added: "If you see anyone repeatedly breaching the restrictions, please let us know via our customer service team.”

What's the punishment for breaching hosepipe ban?

Ignoring the rules could leave you with a hefty fine (Joann Randles/Cover Images)

If caught, people can be faced with massive fines of up to £1,000.

Southern Water stated: "A fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed for any breaches. We would like to thank all our customers for supporting these restrictions and for doing your bit to protect your local rivers."

Dr Alison Hoyle, director of risk and compliance at Southern Water, said: "We haven't taken this decision lightly, and we know the temporary use ban will have an impact on our customers.

"We're asking everyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to do their bit by supporting these measures and only use the water that they need."