Millions across the UK are now facing hosepipe bans - these water-saving products are helping Brits cope

The summer heat might be a dream for BBQs, beer gardens and getting the paddling pool out, but for millions of people across the UK, it’s also brought a bit of a headache.

As the country continues to experience endless heatwaves, and the hot, dry conditions that come with it, a growing number of water companies have introduced hosepipe bans with water supplies under pressure as temperatures keep rising.

Households in affected areas now need to rethink how they keep their gardens, cars and outdoor spaces looking fresh without reaching for the hose. Especially as there's a maximum fine of £1,000 if you're prosecuted for flouting the ban.

Are there any hosepipe bans in the UK today?

South East Water became the first company to bring in restrictions this summer, with its hosepipe ban coming into force on July 3 across parts of Kent, including areas around Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.

More water companies have since followed.

Affinity Water introduced its ban on Friday, July 10, affecting large areas of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey.

Southern Water also brought in restrictions on the same day across parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Anglian Water’s hosepipe ban came into force on Saturday July 11, covering much of the East of England, including areas across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Cambridge Water has also confirmed restrictions in its supply area.

If you’re unsure whether your home is affected, you can check your water supplier and any current restrictions by entering your postcode through Water UK’s supplier checker here.

A hosepipe ban doesn’t mean your garden has to become a dried-out wasteland or that your outdoor plans are completely ruined. There are plenty of simple ways to save water while still keeping plants alive, pools clean and your car looking respectable.

Why are hosepipe bans happening in the UK?

Hosepipe bans are usually introduced when water companies need to reduce demand during periods of prolonged dry weather.

While using a hosepipe might feel like the easiest way to water the garden or wash the car, it can use a huge amount of water in a short space of time.

During hot spells, millions of households doing the same thing can put extra pressure on local water supplies.

The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives that help you use water more efficiently meaning you can keep your outdoor spaces going without wasting litres of water.

Can I get fined £1,000 for breaking the hosepipe ban?

Technically, yes. The maximum fine for breaching a hosepipe ban is £1,000 per violation, enforced under Section 76 of the Water Industry Act 1991. But it's not usually a first-offence thing - most water companies issue a written warning before any fine, with financial penalties typically reserved for repeated violations after that warning. So a one-off slip with the hosepipe isn't likely to land you a bill straight away, but ignoring a warning could.

What actually counts as breaking the ban?

It covers using a hosepipe or sprinkler for garden watering, car washing, cleaning patios, filling pools and ponds, and topping up hot tubs or water features. Hand-watering with a watering can is fine.

How can you keep your plants alive during a hosepipe ban?

One of the biggest worries during a hosepipe ban is watching your plants struggle in the heat.

Without a hosepipe, watering the garden can suddenly become a much bigger job. Carrying water back and forth from the tap can be time consuming, especially if you have lots of plants, hanging baskets or a large outdoor space to look after.

A large-capacity watering can can make the process much easier by allowing you to water more of your garden in one trip.

The key is making sure you can comfortably carry it when it's full. If you end up struggling with a container that’s too heavy, you may end up spilling water, defeating the point of conserving it in the first place.

For plants that need regular watering, self-watering stakes can also be a handy way to keep moisture levels topped up. These slowly release water into the soil over time, helping plants get what they need without repeatedly soaking the surface.

Self-watering plant pots work in a similar way by storing water and allowing plants to draw from it when needed. They can be particularly useful for people who often forget to water their plants or who have outdoor pots that dry out quickly in direct sunlight.

Another clever way to avoid unnecessary watering is to use a plant moisture meter. Rather than guessing whether your plants are thirsty, these tools check the moisture levels in the soil, helping you only water when it’s actually needed.

And if the UK weather eventually decides to give us some rain, a water butt is a great way to prepare for the future. Collecting rainwater means you’ll have a supply ready for your garden when dry spells return, while making use of water that would otherwise simply run away.

No filling up the pool with the hose pipe (Sally Anscombe/Getty Images)

How do you keep a paddling pool clean during a hosepipe ban?

A paddling pool or an outdoor pool can be a lifesaver during a hot summer, especially if you’ve got kids desperate to cool off.

However, keeping it clean without constantly emptying and refilling it can be tricky.

During a hosepipe ban, wasting a pool’s worth of water every time leaves, grass, bugs or other outside dirt gets in isn’t ideal.

The best approach is to make the water last longer. A pool cover can help prevent debris from falling in when the pool isn’t being used, meaning you won’t need to keep replacing the water because it has become full of insects or garden mess.

Pool water treatment kits can also help keep the water cleaner for longer by managing the quality of the water. This means you can spend less time draining and refilling and more time actually enjoying the pool.

It’s also worth getting into the habit of removing any visible debris regularly, using a pool net to keep water clear of floating nasties.

Time to clean cars the old-fashioned way (Dejan Marjanovic/Getty Images)

How can you wash your car without using a hosepipe?

For many people, washing the car is one of the first things that comes to mind when they hear whispers of a hosepipe ban.

A hose makes cleaning a car quick and easy, but there is a way to get the same job done without using one.

A cordless pressure washer can offer a more water-efficient alternative, allowing you to clean your vehicle without connecting to a hose. Pairing this with a bucket can help you control how much water you use, rather than letting litres disappear down the driveway.

It might take slightly longer than blasting your car with a hose, but it’s a simple switch that can help you stay within the rules while still keeping your motor looking fresh.

You can also use a cordless pressure washer to keep your patio and other outdoor paving looking fresh. Win win.

Of course, you can go really old school with a bucket of water, a car shampoo and microfibre cloth to make it sparkling clean.

What are the easiest ways to survive a hosepipe ban?

A hosepipe ban might feel like a pain, especially when the sun is shining and everyone wants to spend time outdoors, but a few small changes can make a big difference.

The trick is to use water more strategically. Water plants only when they need it, store rainwater when possible, protect pool water so it lasts longer and find alternatives for jobs like washing the car.

With a few simple swaps, your garden doesn’t have to suffer and you can still make the most of the summer without wasting water.