Everything you need to know about hosepipe bans
As the hosepipe ban in the North West is called off, United Utilities has warned that it may still need to introduce a ban if the dry weather continues throughout the summer.
Here is everything you need to know hosepipe bans:
• A ‘Temporary Use Ban’, or hosepipe ban, restricts the private use of hosepipes or sprinklers for activities like watering gardens, washing cars and cleaning windows
• United Utilities recommends making small changes to daily habits - like spending less time in the shower - to conserve water, as the UK experienced its driest summer since 1961
• When a hosepipe ban is in place, breaching it could see the offender hit with a fine of up to £1,000
• However, exceptions to the ban exist - such as watering plants for commercial use, or using a hosepipe for health and safety reasons - though permission must be sought from the water utility first