Households have been urged not to snitch on their neighbours if they see them flouting the hosepipe bans. Water companies in the south of England have asked people to call a hotline to report others if they spot them breaching the newly imposed restrictions
Anyone taken to court for persistent breaches of restrictions on hosepipe bans, including watering a garden, cleaning a vehicle, washing windows, walls, paths or patios, faces a fine of up to £1,000. Filling up a paddling pool, domestic pond or ornamental fountain is also prohibited.
However, John Hayward-Cripps, the CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, told The Telegraph: “What is needed is a certain amount of common sense and treating people as you would like to be treated yourself if you had made a mistake. The best thing when dealing with your neighbours, people who you live among and see on a regular basis, is to have a conversation with them. Snitching without having any conversation is likely to irritate people.”
“You might want to make your neighbour aware of the ban and explain why it is important to preserve water. We have had the driest winter for a long time, make them aware of the fine they could be facing. With the cost of living crisis nobody wants or needs a £1,000 fine."
Due to the sizzling temperatures, a hosepipe ban came into force yesterday (Friday) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - the first to be imposed in the region since 2012. South East Water is implementing a ban for its customers in Kent and Sussex from August 12, while Pembrokeshire in Wales will also be hit by a hosepipe ban from August 19.
Parts of England have seen the driest July on record following the driest eight-month period from November 2021 for the country since 1976. The Met Office also says there is "very little meaningful rain" on the horizon for parched areas.
Householders who have not yet been hit by restrictions are being urged to avoid using hosepipes for watering the garden or cleaning the car. Southern Water, which covers Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, stressed there was no risk to the overall water supply, but the ban was needed to protect the environment.
The company encouraged people to "gently remind" neighbours of the rules. A spokesperson said: "If you see anyone breaching the restrictions, please let us know via our customer service team."
