Hosepipe bans

[peterbirks]

I've never quite figured out this hosepipe thingy. As a soon-to-be owner of a garden, I just can't get my head round the restrictions that are or are not imposed.

Now, let me get this straight. At the moment the garden is wet. Soaking wet. I don't know where the water table is, but I'm fairly sure it's higher than usual. So, what does the government say? It says that I can use a hosepipe on the lawn as much as I like, soaking an already soaked ground and exacerbating the flood risk.

Now, go back 18 months or so. The grass is brown; the ground is cake-clay-hard. The poor old ground is dry as a bone and is crying out for water.

And what does the government do? It bans you from using hosepipes on the lawn, that's what.

I mean, surely it should be the other way round?

"We haven't got the water" they say.

Well, NMP, pal, 'cos I certainly haven't got it. And the water must have gone somewhere.....

Comments

[jellymillion.livejournal.com]

It's not the Government that bans hosepipes (or more accurately the use thereof for certain activities deemed non-essential). At least, I don't think it is: water scarcity is bound to vary by region and I guess it's more likely to be the WatCos that decide on bans.

(A quick Googling uncovers http://www.hosepipeban.org.uk, golly)

While last year wasn't a problem, I did struggle in 2006 to find out (without actually picking up a phone, of course) whether there was actually a ban in force in our area. It's not like they send out a Hosepipe Ban Notice or anything.

And what actually happens anyway, should a Nosey Neighbour spot me filling a paddling pool and grass me up?

[(Anonymous)]

Mike, Im pretty sure thats where the waterboarding comes in? Or am I getting things mixed up here?

Keith S

[jellymillion.livejournal.com]

I presume you can still indulge in waterboarding during a ban if you use a watering can?