More areas of the UK have been hit by water shortages as the high temperatures and dry conditions continue to cause problems.

Thames Valley has become the latest water company to signal it will bring in a hosepipe ban in the face of the hot summer.

South East Water has already confirmed a ban on hosepipe and sprinkler use for its customers in Kent and Sussex following similar restrictions by Southern Water.

Sky News looks at what residents need to be aware of if a hosepipe ban is introduced in their area.

What you can and can’t do during a hosepipe ban

When a ban is in place, you must not use a hosepipe that is connected to the mains water supply.

This means people may not use hosepipes to fill a paddling pool or swimming pool; clean walls or windows of a domestic property; clean a private leisure boat; fill a domestic pond; maintain a water fountain; clean patios or any artificial outdoor surfaces.

A hosepipe ban also includes anything “adapted” to serve the same purpose as a hosepipe, according to South East Water, which would rule out the use of garden sprinklers, irrigation systems, pressure washers and similar items.

What are the exemptions?

There are some exemptions for certain people with “specific circumstances”.

A hosepipe can be used when it is needed for “unavoidable” health and safety reasons.

This could be to remove or minimise risk to human or animal health – or to prevent the spread of causative agents or disease.

A hosepipe might also be used to protect the general welfare of animals – including fish.

South East Water says it may still “question your use” of an exemption if it receives reports of hosepipe usage.

What is defined as a garden by the water companies?

A garden is private or public and can be a lawn, park, grass verge or an area used for sport or recreation, according to South East Water.

It can also be an allotment used for non-commercial purposes.

But the company says it is not agricultural land or land used for a business to grow crops, fruits, vegetables or other plants for sale.

A garden area is not a flower display or plants in an outdoor pot or in the ground under cover.

Can I use a hosepipe to wash my car?

No – you cannot use this method to clean any private vehicle.

But you may clean a vehicle with a hosepipe if it is done as a service to customers “in the course of a business”.

Read more:
What uses the most water in our homes?

What are water companies doing with their infrastructure?

According to a National Audit Office report, three billion litres of water is lost through leakage every day.

According to Water UK, around 216,000 miles of pipes date back to the 19th century.

Ofwat, the water regulator, said leaks fell by 36% between 1994 and 2000 – but since then, have fallen by just 8%.

Water companies have been criticised for the amount of daily leakage – which has also seen some roads flooded – which puts further strain on the supply of water.

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