Outdoor water-use restriction
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2008) |
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with Australia and the United Kingdom and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (February 2023) |
An outdoor water-use restriction is a ban or other lesser restrictions put into effect that restricts the outdoor use of water supplies. Often called a watering ban or hosepipe ban,[1] it can affect:
- irrigation of lawns
- car washing
- recreational uses such as filling swimming pools and using water slides
- planting of grassor control of the types of grass planted
- pavementareas
Such bans may be put in place by local governments, a state government or water supplier.[2] In the latter case, local authorities often still can enact more restrictive measures.
Such a ban is usually enacted during
Restrictions
Typical restrictions include:
- the "odd/even" system, whereby odd-numbered addresses water on odd-numbered dates, and even-numbered ones on even-numbered dates
- water use may be restricted to specific days of the week
- water use may be prohibited in the afternoon, when much of the spray is lost to evaporation.
The use of drip irrigation systems may or may not be exempt from the restrictions, or be less restricted than normal water sprinklers.
Businesses that use water as a critical part of their operations are usually not exempt. This includes
Abuse of restrictions usually brings a warning at first, then a fine, and can lead to limiting or cutting off the water to the home or business. Restriction can be accomplished by putting a flow limiter—a disc with a small hole—in the water intake pipe, allowing enough water for human consumption but not irrigation.[3] Enforcement is generally by the local water authority or even from police.
Non-potable water usage
Using
Countries
Australia
Water restrictions are in place in many regions and cities of Australia in response to chronic shortages resulting from drought. Depending upon the location, these can include restrictions on watering lawns, using sprinkler systems, washing vehicles, hosing in paved areas and refilling swimming pools, among others. Water restrictions in Australia are enforced by fines and for repeat offenders by reducing water supply.
United Kingdom
A hosepipe ban is a British term for a water restriction placed on the customers of a water company to prevent them from using garden hoses, particularly for watering their gardens. The provider sometimes states that their customers are not allowed to use a sprinkler or unattended hosepipe for a few days (or longer), but commonly, a total ban is enacted. Bans are usually in England and South Wales, rarely in Scotland because of the damper climate. Commercial customers are usually exempt to prevent loss of earnings or other such problems.[4]
The water industry usually places such restrictions on their customers during
Previously, contravening a temporary water restriction is a
In August 2022, hosepipe bans were introduced during the widespread drought.[7]
Notes
- ^ "Water company may impose hosepipe ban". BBC News. 24 June 2010.
- ^ "Know your limits on outdoor water use". InsideHalton.com. 10 June 2010.
- ^ Making $70K as a “water cop” in Los Angeles County
- ^ "How are commercial gardeners affected by a hosepipe ban?". Hosepipe Ban. 22 May 2012.
- ^ Vanessa Taylor and Frank Trentmann (July 2008). "Hosepipes, history and a sustainable future". United Kingdom: History & Policy. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2010.
- ^ "Hosepipe Bans and the Law". InBrief.co.uk. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ^ Kirby, Dean (7 August 2022). "Official drought could soon be declared in parts of England with millions facing hosepipe bans". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
References
- O’Connor, G. A., and H. A. Elliott, and R. K. Bastian. "Degraded Water Reuse: An Overview". Journal of Environmental Quality 37 (2008): A157-S168
- Thompson, William J. "Reuse Greywater". Sustainable Landscape Construction: A Guide to Green Building Outdoors. Washington: Island Press, 2008
External links
- Down the drain, looking at the leaks in the system owned by Thames Water. The Daily Telegraph, 10 July 2005
- Water firms missing leak targets. BBC News, 14 July 2005.
- Water Industry Act 1991
- Guide to water industry with water saving tips, restriction information and news.
- Hosepipe ban website with resources and discussion about hosepipe bans in the UK