Millions of people have been banned from using hoses in their homes to wash cars or replenish gardens amid drought conditions. It comes as Britain braces for another heatwave, with highs of up to 35C expected this week. South East Water is enforcing the tube ban from Friday, with the move following Southern Water’s ban which came into effect last week. However, the Telegraph has learned that there are a number of exceptions to the rules, which experts have warned will lead to confusion and inconsistency. Hoses can still be used to water newly laid lawns in gardens for 28 days after planting ‘to help them establish’, says the South East Water website, adding: ‘We will ask if it is possible to wait for cooler weather to to lay new turf. when we expect to see a reduction in demand for water.” Hot tubs are also exempt, but swimming pools and spas are not, the guidance states. Other exceptions exist for washing a wheelie bin, cleaning the interior of a boat and watering potted plants. Caroline Gould, Head of Legal at South East Water, said: “The restrictions under the Water Industry Act 1991 apply to domestic swimming pools, not hot tubs. We believe this is due to hot tubs at the time being considered more of a bathhouse, which is not a limited activity. “We are therefore asking our customers to review their usage and wait until the colder weather and water demand subsides for any non-essential or necessary water use.”
