Hose-pipe ban

First of all the useful stuff... if you click here it will show you a chart of what you can and can't do when a hosepipe ban is in effect. Hozelock

This is another political manoeuvre to demonstrate that someone is doing something about a water shortage.  Closing barn doors after the horse has bolted comes to mind.  Why isn't our high level of rainfall 'harvested' and stored properly?  Just think back to the floods earlier this year and weep over the amount of rain wasted.  Why aren't water companies compelled to monitor and repair their leaking pipes?


So here we are, in one of the wettest areas of the country, experiencing yet another water shortage.  That said - just read the following statement from the RHS:

Domestic consumption of water only accounts for 21% of the overall demand with less than 1% of the total being used in domestic gardens for watering plants, washing cars etc. Professionally installed irrigation systems are highly water efficient, they apply exactly the right amount of water, where and when it is required – no more, no less. The water is applied overnight to minimise evaporation and when installed in conjunction with good horticultural practices such as mulching, provides the most efficient means of watering plants

Gardeners must use the smallest amount of the 'less than 1%' domestic outdoor use, yet we are banned from looking after our plants using a hand-held hose and spray gun or irrigation system whilst Joe Bloggs across the road is allowed to power wash his patio and wash his car. Indeed one of our neighbours washes his car with an open ended hose (no gun) which he leaves to run down the drain between the various stages of wetting, brushing etc.  Infuriating even when there isn't a hosepipe ban.


I have a super-efficient irrigation system in my garden which only waters precisely what needs watering; at its 'worst' it might be used to water all the borders and vegetables (not lawns)   for twenty minutes, twice a week, during the night (no evaporation and wastage).  Generally I manage without using it by using the hosepipe (only) where needed and watering cans for pots.  It is really in place for any time we might be in a hot spell and I might be away and not able to do my selective watering.  Being on a water meter, believe me I am frugal.


I'd like someone to test the allowance for children's water play.  Does this mean you can have a full sized oscillator sprinkler going while children play under it?  Can I borrow some children?