Find the postcode point
Enter a full UK postcode. The checker then gets the postcode point from postcodes.io.
UK postcode checker
Am I in a Hosepipe Ban?
Enter a full UK postcode to see if it is within a mapped restriction area. The current status was verified on 14 August 2026.
Direct answer
Water companies with current hosepipe bans
Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Essex and Suffolk Water, South East Water, South West Water, Southern Water and Thames Water. Data last updated: .
- Water company
- Affected area
- Restriction start
- Status verified
Current restrictions
Where hosepipe bans are in place
Status checked: 14 August 2026
View free local mapHosepipe ban areaSearched postcode
The marker uses the centre point of the postcode. Water supply boundaries can divide streets and postcodes. The map and postcode result are a guide. Your water bill and your supplier's current notice are the definitive sources.
Affected suppliers
Current hosepipe bans
| Supplier | Affected supply area | In force from | Official notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affinity Water | Central region only | 17 July 2026 | View notice |
| Anglian Water | Whole supply area except Hartlepool | 11 July 2026 | View notice |
| Cambridge Water | Whole supply area | 17 July 2026 | View notice |
| Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water | Mid and south Ceredigion, north Pembrokeshire and north Carmarthenshire. The map outline is indicative. | 19 July 2026 | View notice |
| Essex and Suffolk Water | Whole supply area | 3 August 2026 | View notice |
| South East Water | Whole supply area | 3 and 25 July 2026 | View notice |
| South West Water | Devon, Cornwall, Isles of Scilly and affected parts of Dorset and Somerset | 14 July and 8 August 2026 | View notice |
| Southern Water | Hampshire and Isle of Wight supply areas | 10 July 2026 | View notice |
| Thames Water | Whole supply area | 23 July 2026 | View notice |
How the result works
How this postcode checker works
Test the supply boundary
The point is compared with mapped water supply areas that have an active restriction.
Show the official notice
The result gives the supplier, affected area, start date and a direct link to the current notice.
Boundary check: If the postcode point is within 1 km of a mapped boundary, the checker gives a caution result. Confirm the drinking water supplier shown on your bill.
Rules and responsibilities
Hosepipe ban laws and who is affected
What is the law?
In England and Wales, a water company can introduce a Temporary Use Ban under sections 76 and 76A to 76C of the Water Industry Act 1991. The Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order 2010 defines the uses that can be restricted. A person who is convicted of breaking a prohibition can receive a fine of up to £1,000.
Who is affected?
A ban applies to customers who receive drinking water from the company named in the notice. It does not automatically apply because the same company handles wastewater. Household customers are the main group affected. Some business activities are exempt, but each company notice gives the exact terms.
What is usually prohibited?
- Watering gardens, lawns, allotments or plants with a hosepipe.
- Cleaning private vehicles, leisure boats, windows, walls, paths or patios with a hosepipe.
- Filling pools, hot tubs, ponds or ornamental fountains with mains water where the notice prohibits it.
- Using sprinklers, pressure washers and similar equipment connected to a mains water supply.
What can still be allowed?
Buckets and watering cans are generally allowed. Collected rainwater, grey water and private non-mains supplies can usually be used. Health, safety, disability, mobility, animal welfare and some commercial exceptions can apply. Always read your supplier's notice before you use a hosepipe.
Important: Restrictions and exceptions can change at short notice. This page gives general information and is not legal advice.
Common questions
Hosepipe ban questions
Can I wash my car during a hosepipe ban?
You must not use a hosepipe to clean a private vehicle when this use is prohibited by your supplier's notice. A bucket can usually be used. Read the supplier notice for exceptions.
Can I use a pressure washer during a hosepipe ban?
A pressure washer connected to the mains water supply is usually treated as hosepipe use. Do not use it for a prohibited activity unless an exception in the supplier notice applies.
Can I use a watering can?
A watering can is generally allowed because it is not a hosepipe. Use rainwater or reused water where possible and check your supplier's exact rules.
Can I fill a swimming pool, paddling pool or hot tub?
Filling or maintaining a domestic pool, paddling pool or hot tub with a hosepipe can be prohibited. Supplier notices can contain limited exceptions. Check the notice before you add mains water.
Does a hosepipe ban apply to businesses?
Some commercial activities have statutory or discretionary exceptions, but a business is not automatically exempt. The water company notice gives the exact terms.
Are there disability or health exemptions?
Exceptions can apply for health and safety, disability, mobility and Blue Badge holders. The exact exception and any registration process depend on the supplier notice.
Does the ban apply if the company only handles my wastewater?
No. The restriction is based on the company that supplies your drinking water. Check the supplier name on your water bill if different companies provide water and wastewater services.
What is the fine for breaking a hosepipe ban?
If a person is prosecuted and convicted of an offence under the legislation, the maximum fine is £1,000. The supplier notice states which uses are prohibited.
Page history
Latest status updates
- All nine active supplier restrictions were checked against the Water UK status summary and current supplier notices.
- The South West Water restriction expanded to all customers in Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and affected parts of Dorset and Somerset.
Map, status and review sources
Restriction status: Water UK and the linked water company notices. Boundary data: Environment Agency Water Resource Zones, used under the Open Government Licence. Postcode locations: postcodes.io. The west Wales outline is indicative and follows the affected communities published by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Data last verified: .