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

Top tips for saving water during the Lancashire heatwave

• 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