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 !!!

It doesn’t matter what the PP is watering. If she has a hose she can use it. Just like the rest of us.

We don't bother with the lawn. It's brown now but will recover. However the tomatoes and soft fruits won't. Nor will the tubs and troughs of flowers.

But you should see the olive tree it's gone quite mad in these heatwaves

But it all counts. Just because of the problems you pointed out doesn't mean one should not do their part or that these measures shouldn't be taken to preserve supply. One doesn't negate the other. 14 billion litres of water are used across England per day. It's infuriating, though.

I do my part by paying a fair price for a utility. If the company I pay prefers to use that money to line the pockets of its shareholders instead of investing in its infrastructure that’s their call, but it won’t change my actions. I have a right to use what I pay for.

Now as I’ve said in a previous post, if they are prepared to stop charging me for the period in which they are not prepared to provide a full service then I will adhere to a hosepipe ban. But apart from that I see it as any other service.

You wouldn’t leave Tesco with only half your shopping after you’ve paid for it, would you? What’s the difference when it comes to water?

Please water your fruit and vegetables at the very least.

For essential needs only, ie medical, fruit/veg watering.

And it is allowed.

It's apple to oranges.
You do not have the same rights.
1991 water act, I think...
eta, the difference is that water is essential for all of society and private companies manage in behalf of gov't. Citizens have managed access.

No. She can use the water she pays for in whatever way she likes. Whether that’s for medical uses or to fill a swimming pool. I doubt the CEOs of these water companies are going without, why should we?

I don’t know what you mean or what you’re referring to.

Some supremely selfish attitudes on this thread. Unfortunately this is why Draconian measures often get introduced. People can't be trusted to do the right thing unless they are forced to do it. Personally I would be tempted to ban all people from using hosepipes for anything other than watering plants that would die without it. This should be true if you're disabled or not.

Why not just tell them

Personally, I think only allowing controlled watering for fruit/veg and trees
is the only thing that sense.

And the draconian infrastructure will be upgraded?

We do. It's just the lawn, trees, that have to fend for themselves.

That where you need to hold gov't's feet to the fire. 😔

I am absolutely watering my plants who will die if I don’t. It’s good for the environment to have fruit trees etc I planted some this year so will give them water. The water companies needs to sort themselves out they way they operate. It’s not filling a paddling pool or water an apple tree which cause water shortages.

Well I’m sure the previous CEO of Wessex Water, who was warning of hosepipe bans while collecting massive payouts despite multiple sewage failures over many years will have ensured his 40ft swimming pool was kept topped up throughout.

Water them all. The water companies are killing enough fish and other marine life through their disgusting actions, don’t let them kill off even more wildlife.

that is already the case in some areas.

No. It’s really not. It’s there for whoever needs it providing that in many cases they’re prepared to put up with crap maintenance, dangerous conditions and LA’s responsible for overseeing adherence to the various rent acts for private landlords, but who actually pay scant attention to it themselves. You’re chatting shite.

What you need to do, OP, is build a brand new swimming pool in your garden. Maybe stick in a new lawn whilst you're at it.

Filling one of those with a hose or sticking the sprinkler on for 9 hours a day during a hosepipe ban is perfectly acceptable - and as it would mean you were wealthy, you wouldn't be deemed Guilty of harbouring notions of grandeur or, horror of horrors, entitlement, whilst in charge of disabled children.

Plants

Some Hollywood celebrity bought a place near Clarkson pub. Her swimming pool took four days to fill. The water pressure was so reduced that properties above suffered until the pool was full. That was quite surreal.

Why? Seriously, there is no need. Just use the hose!