Hosepipe Ban Alert: Leep Utilities and Yorkshire Water's Call to Action

Hey there, readers! So, have you heard? Yorkshire Water has announced a hosepipe ban starting July 11^th, 2025. And why now, you ask? Well, let's dive into this with a bit of context. It's not every day we get a call to action from major water providers, and this one's quite important. Leep Utilities is stepping up alongside Yorkshire Water, urging everyone to play their part in conserving water during this unusually dry spell.

What's Going On?

Let's get straight to the point. Yorkshire Water has been dealing with a bit of a water crisis. You see, the region is going through a dry spell, which means the usual water sources like reservoirs and rivers are running low.

This isn't just about a few missed sprinkles in the garden—it's about making sure we've got enough water for everyone. Yorkshire Water has been hard at work, managing the situation with their drought and water resource plans, but they need our help too.

Leep Utilities Weighs In

Vicky Bell, Head of Regulation and Compliance at Leep Utilities, has some thoughts on the matter. She says,

“With our changing climate, we're seeing more extremes of weather, including long spells without significant rainfall, which can lead to drought. Yorkshire Water considers it necessary to restrict water consumption through the hosepipe ban as part of its drought planning, and we fully support this action. Restricting water use now will help to protect the environment by limiting the volume of water that has to be drawn from the environment. Our customers have been advised directly of the restrictions and any exemptions that may apply.”

It's clear that Leep Utilities is fully on board with this initiative.

Hosepipe Use Restrictions

So, what exactly does this hosepipe ban mean for you? Here's the lowdown:

• Using a hosepipe to water gardens, including plants, is off-limits.
• Cleaning vehicles or boats with a hosepipe is a no-go.
• Filling or maintaining domestic swimming or paddling pools with a hosepipe is banned.
• Using a hosepipe to clean domestic premises, like windows, paths, and patios, is prohibited.
• Any domestic recreational use of water drawn through a hosepipe is banned.

But it's not all doom and gloom! You can still use tap water for these activities, as long as you don't use a hosepipe. Think buckets or watering cans for your garden, for example. And if you've got rainwater collected in a water butt or a private borehole, you're in luck—using a hosepipe to draw from these sources is allowed.

Businesses are also in the mix. They can use a hosepipe if it's directly related to a commercial need, like watering crops. If it's not essential to the business, though, they have to hold off.

Exceptions and Penalties

There are a few exceptions to the ban. Blue Badge holders, those on Leep’s Priority Services Register, or customers on the WaterSure tariff for medical reasons can continue to use hosepipes. But remember, breaching the hosepipe ban can lead to fines of up to £1,000, enforceable under the Water Industry Act. Ouch!

How Can You Help?

Want to know more about how to conserve water? Head over to Leep’s website for some handy water-saving tips at www.leeputilities.co.uk/water-saving-tips. Every little bit helps, and who knows, you might pick up a few tricks to keep your garden lush without using too much water.

About Leep Utilities

Leep Utilities (Leep) is a UK-based last-mile multi-utility company. They work with developers, landowners, and project delivery partners on various developments, providing network adoption for electricity, water and wastewater, and heat networks. Leep owns and operates both regulated and non-regulated networks and holds an Independent Distributor Network Operations (IDNO) licence. They're Ofwat approved to provide NAV (New Appointment and Variations) services and are backed by Ancala Partners LLP, a leading independent infrastructure investment manager.

For more information, feel free to visit www.leeputilities.co.uk.

So, there you have it! Let's all do our bit to help conserve water during this dry spell. It's not just about following rules—it's about making sure we have enough water for everyone, now and in the future. Stay hydrated, but remember to save that precious H2O!