Hosepipe Ban 2026

South East Water have announced the implementation of a hosepipe ban starting the 25th June 2026.

The taps at Millfield Allotments will remain turned on, however plot holders need to be particularly stringent with their water usage. Please ensure you are using rainwater collected in water butts and storage solutions where possible.

From South East Water:

The restrictions mean that you should not use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios and boats and for filling swimming and paddling pools.

Hosepipe use

A “hosepipe” means anything designed, adapted or used to serve the same purpose as a hosepipe. This means that garden sprinklers and irrigation systems (outside of the exception), connected to the mains water supply, are all considered to be hosepipes, together with anything attached to them like pressure washers.

Exemptions:

• Using a hosepipe that is connected to a water butt or other recycled water storage system will not be restricted.

Gardens

Watering a garden using a hosepipe.

A “garden” is a private or public garden, a lawn, a park; a grass verge; an area of grass used for sport or recreation; an allotment used for non-commercial purposes; and any other green space.

A garden is not:

• Agricultural land,

• Land used in the course of a business for growing any crops, fruits, vegetables or other plants for sale or commercial use;

• Land used for National Plant Collection;

• A temporary garden or flower display (i.e. on show to the public for no more than 7 days); or

• Plants in an outdoor pot or in the ground under cover (under cover being in a greenhouse, outbuilding or under a permanent canopy).

  
  

Exemptions:

• Water food crops at domestic premises or private allotments, where this cannot be reasonably done by watering can.

Please note, all conditions regarding hose usage as set out in the Tenancy Agreement will still apply, and overrule the guidance from South East Water.