Neighbour demanded proof of our hosepipe ban exemption

[HoseBan]

My NDN has just demanded to see proof that we are exempt from the local hose pipe ban !!!!

I have said to them I won’t be showing them anything as it’s private but they can report me if I want and the water company can check.

We literally have just been filling a small paddling pool daily for the dc for after school and today have a little sprinkler toy as it’s boiling.

I know some people aren’t aware that there are exemptions (eg being on priority services register or certain tariff) but I’m so shocked they demanded proof !!!

Yeah that's fine what you said. If you have the exemption then let them waste their time making an unfounded complaint.

Why are you exempt?

The ban isn't until the 17th in our area anyway. Is it even active where you are?

How is that at all relevant, other than being another nosey git asking something that has nothing to do with them?

Why do you think it's ok to ask?

Do you have any suspicions that they take illegal drugs at any time?

If so, ask why they think they are exempt from the law.

Blue Badge holders are exempt from hosepipe bans primarily to ensure health and safety. Mobility issues can make manual watering or washing physically difficult or impossible, and carrying heavy watering cans poses significant risks.

While in the letter of the law you’re able to use the sprinkler for playing… I’m not sure it’s in the spirit.

I can fully understand you saying no to showing them, but I can also understand them being a bit like 'you know there is a hosepipe ban, you might be exempt but come on operate in the spirit of the ban' and only use the hose for essentials such as watering the flowers and veg patch if you physically can't use a water can.

They do sound a bit busy body and requesting proof is non of their business.

I’m nosey and I want to know too😆

It doesn't sit right with me that a disabled persons kids can have a paddling pool out but an able bodied persons kids have to go without. That makes no sense whatsoever and I say that as a disabled person.

The exemption is not to allow you to fill the paddling pool and use a sprinkler. As others have said it's so you can carry out necessary tasks. Paddling pool is not necessary.

I wouldn’t be able to tell if my neighbours are using a hosepipe as I can’t see into their gardens. I also wouldn’t care. People are such busybodies.

@Gingerkittykat I don't think you're nosy- it's a perfectly reasonable question. Being on the PSR means you have children under 5, a health concern or people of pension age living in the property. Well that's what it means for gas and electric so assume water is similar.

While you may be exempt, filling a paddling pool every day and using a sprinkler toy is taking the piss.

Yes. I can understand it for those who may have a mobility issue and can’t lift buckets and watering cans easily. But people have blue badge for all kinds of disabilities so I think it really should be only limited to physical needs.

I also find it mad that you can fill a paddling pool in a hosepipe ban as long as you don’t use the hosepipe. But it’s the same amount of water!! Just the method of getting it to the pool is different.

I would hope that if there is a hosepipe ban people would be sensible and only use their exemption for necessary things. Others if everyone finds loopholes holes or ignores if - the water will run out.

I think if you’re able bodied you can fill up buckets and put them in the paddling pool but a disabled person (disability dependent) can’t do this. That’s why they’re allowed to use the hose.

I do think you are stretching the point somewhat if you are filling a paddling pool.

Yeah but you aren’t going to use more buckets than you need to fill a paddling pool are you? But with the hose pipe there’s the possibility that you’ll just leave it running and go and do something else and forget to go back to it. Though, I do think it’s less likely now that most people are on water meters.

I'm exempt but I have no reason to use my hose even if my kids (who aren't the reason for the exemption) to fill a padding pool. I agree you maybe exempt but it doesn't make it right.

I'm on the priority services register and didn't think being on the register in itself gives you exemption, I thought there was more to it.
However I've just looked at Anglian Water and it seems it does.

Priority Service Register (PSR) customers
If you're unable to make reasonable adjustments because of a health condition, disability or additional support need, you may be covered by an exception.

This may apply if you are registered, or would like to register, for our Priority Services Register and have:

• A serious or long-term health condition
• Dementia
• A developmental condition
• Dialysis treatment
• A physical impairment
• Restricted hand movement
• A visual impairment
• A temporary condition following a hospital stay
• Additional support needs that make it difficult to make reasonable adjustments

If any of the above apply to you, you are automatically exempt. You do not need to apply for this or to let us know.

I've not been using my hosepipe to water tubs which is a pain because I can't lift a full watering can. I only use it for watering a few tubs and baskets.

It's a shame they didn't put 1% of that effort in to writing to the water company asking "Why are you pumping shit into our rivers", really.

Yeah English water companies are piss ripping bastards and customers should be hassling them instead of turning on each other.

Also that exception basically makes the ban pointless because absolutely everyone will be able to claim one box ticked.

Well said!
And pointing out all the millions of litres of water lost by leaks every single day in the UK.
But hey, let's make it a crime to fill a paddling pool while the water companies pay themselves millions!

I find hosepipe bans ridiculous for all the reasons PP have already pointed out. Crack on!

This!