Anyone taken to court for persistent breaches of tire ban restrictions – including watering a garden, cleaning a vehicle or washing windows, walls, paths and yards – faces a fine of up to £1,000. Filling of paddling pools, home ponds or decorative fountains is also prohibited. But the measures, officially known as temporary use bans (TUBs), will no doubt leave gardeners frustrated as they desperately try to save their sunburned plants from wilting in the heat. Which areas are affected by the tire ban? Image: A map of confirmed tire bans in England and Wales From 5pm today (Friday 5 August) a pipeline ban will come into effect in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – the first imposed in the region since 2012. South East Water also announced a ban for its customers in Kent and Sussex from August 12. Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire in Wales will also be hit by a tire ban from August 19. Parts of England have seen their driest July on record dating back to 1836, following the driest eight-month period from November 2021 for the country since 1976. It also comes as the Met Office has warned there is “very little meaningful rain” on the horizon for parched parts of England as temperatures are set to climb into the 30s next week. Find out the weather forecast for your area Image: Large areas of Hyde Park in London have dried up People asked to “gently remind” others about water restrictions Other companies have so far held off on restrictions despite the low water levels, although some say they may have to implement bans if the dry weather continues. Households not yet affected by restrictions are asked to avoid using hoses to water the garden or clean the car. Southern Water stressed there was no risk to the overall water supply, but the ban was necessary to protect the environment during one of the driest years on record, accompanied by record temperatures. However, the company has encouraged people to “gently remind” neighbors of the rules. A spokesperson said: “If you see someone breaking the restrictions, please let us know through our customer service team. “Breaches can be fined up to £1,000. We’d like to thank all our customers for supporting these restrictions and for doing everything they can to protect your local rivers.” Any fine imposed will be dealt with through the courts. Subscribe to the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker Dr Alison Hoyle, director of risk and compliance at Southern Water, said: “We have not taken this decision lightly and we know that the temporary ban on use will have an impact on our customers. “We are asking everyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to do what they can to support these measures and only use the water they need.” Read more: What uses the most water in our homes?Another heatwave is set for parts of the UK next week Image: Low water levels at Holme Styes Reservoir in Holmfirth West Yorkshire “Approaching Drought Levels” Tens of thousands of people in Pembrokeshire will be subject to water restrictions after the county saw just over 60% of expected rainfall between March and July – prompting Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru) to introduce a standpipe ban from 19 August. Water services chief executive Ian Christie said: “We haven’t seen such prolonged drought conditions in Pembrokeshire since 1976. “Introducing the tire ban is not a decision we have taken lightly, however if we want to make sure there is enough water to see us through the rest of the summer and autumn then we need to act now to try and prevent further restrictions later.” . The ban will apply to just over 2% of Welsh Water’s three million customers, with no current plans to introduce wider restrictions, the company said in a statement. Tips for gardeners on which plants to save New plants should be prioritized over more established ones, says senior horticultural adviser at the Royal Horticultural Society, Nikki Barker. National Allotment Society chairman Phil Gomersall said he does not water plants unless “absolutely necessary”. “I may sound a little old fashioned, but I water the young plants for the first two to three weeks and then let them go on their own. development.” Tips for gardeners • Prioritize newer plants over more established plants – create a schedule and work backwards • Anything planted at least three years ago should have deep enough roots to recover • Don’t waste water on grass – grass is “resilient” and it will grow back • Don’t use gray water if it contains bleach or disinfectant • Try reusing “grey water” from bathing or washing hanging baskets and decorative plants – but not edible plants, fruits or vegetables
