Exemption from hosepipe bans.

[Bookworm55]

When I was waiting for my rheum appointment last week a couple in the waiting room were saying that the hosepipe ban which is now in force in many areas doesn’t apply to those with PIP or a Blue badge. I don’t have either but useful information.

[Hidden]

I doubt that is true. I would check with the water company.

[Bookworm55 in reply to Hidden]

This from Southern Water

‘Blue badge holders are automatically exempt from several restrictions and do not need to apply for an exemption. Customers who are on our Priority Services Register for reasons of reduced mobility are exempt. These customers need to apply for an exemption. People should not put themselves at risk unnecessarily.’

[Bookworm55 in reply to Bookworm55]

And from Thames water

‘Blue Badge holders and those on Thames Water's Priority Services Register with a mobility issue, can still use a hose for: Watering gardens/allotments and plants. Cleaning vehicles. Cleaning windows, walls, paths, patios or other artificial outdoor surfaces like artificial grass.’

[madme1 in reply to Hidden]

Criplady I have a letter from United Utilities as I'm on the vulnerable list so therefore I'm exempt from the hosepipe ban. I haven't watered the garden a lot anyway, don't know wether it applies to other water companies though, so I would check.

[HappykindaGal]

Why would they be exempt? Why does having a blue badge make it ok to use a hosepipe? I don’t understand

[Bookworm55 in reply to HappykindaGal]

Well I guess carrying a watering can would be tricky in many cases.

[HappykindaGal in reply to Bookworm55]

True. I assumed those couldn’t be used either if there was a ban.Perhaps I’m wrong

[rmros in reply to HappykindaGal]

The hosepipe ban only applies to hosepipes.

[madme1 in reply to HappykindaGal]

It's more if you have mobility issues, I explained my circumstances to their receptionist and that even if plants were dying I would struggle to water them any other way. I don't have an irrigation system as my garden is on the small side with raised flower beds, and as its mainly concreted areas. So I feel this would be more of a waste of water. I would therefore have try and carry heavy watering cans, or half fill them and make numerous more trips to do it.

[CagneysMum]

I can understand the logic behind this thinking … that someone with mobility issues would struggle to manage a heavy watering can for example? But I certainly won’t be using a hosepipe once a ban had been enforced .. just out of consideration for my neighbours and my environment.

[madme1 in reply to CagneysMum]

I only water when absolutely necessary and I put a time limit on it, and water early in the morning or evening.

[ChrisReaisace]

Yorkshire Water ask Blue badge holders to register, they contact those who do this on line within 5 working days according to their website. I'm awaiting my call. Website advises that bottled water will be delivered if needs be both during this drought & going forward. They asked similar questions as the electricity company did when registering to go on their priority user list.I plan to use my hosepipe to fill my small watering can near to my perennials & to fill water saucers for the birds & hedgehogs. Same amount of water used but protecting my back & finger joints, win, win. I use grey water as much as I can for the garden, I have given up on the annuals this year, the lawn is now straw for the third time this year, I've not watered this for years anyway. The car has had one wash since April! My water butts are all but dry.

My winter project is year is to decide which drought tolerant plants will live happily in pots but will also help pollinators, the birds & all the other creatures visiting our garden. I found a frog in a bird saucer in the really high temperatures a couple of weeks ago, watched as it buried itself in the acer bed later in the day!

[madme1]

Yes thanks Bookworm I'm on the vulnerable register with both my energy supply companies and the water supply companies. I have a letter from the water company stating that I'm exempt from the hosepipe ban.

[Otto11]

Yes you are correct. My friend received her letter a week ago & so I enquired & they put me on their register & I received a letter in the post a few days ago stating I was exempt. I am also registered with our Electric supplier who will inform you if there is going to be a power cut in your area so you can transfer your medication to a family members fridge for example. As they are predicting power cuts this winter its worth doing. x