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 !!!

Maybe it should be a paddling pool ban

Anyone can fill a paddling pool using a bucket, people with exemptions can still use their hosepipe.

Some children/People have severe learning disabilities and complex needs. They don't understand that they can't use their paddling pool because of a ban, and become aggressive towards their care giver or themselves which can end in injury to either one. The pool could be their only source of enjoyment or way to regulate.

Exactly.

I was talking about paddling pools. You fill up to a line with water from a hosepipe. You could also fill up to the same line with a bucket. It’s the same amount of water. Therefore - use the hosepipe as it’s easier and quicker.

I can understand the difference with plants as I’m likely to waste more water with the hosepipe. With buckets you’re likely more controlled and therefore save a bit.

but if your area is genuinely low on water (you can check the websites) then I’d also argue that it’s better to conserve water and only water necessary plants.

im assuming farmers are exempt as it’s their business

You're being a little petty. The point is some people can't lift water. A paddling pool is an appropriate use. It probably uses less than a bath.

Matb the heat has shrunk brains. Anglian water reservoirs are absolutely fine this year.

I'm on the PSR, and I think you are taking the piss to use the hose to fill a paddling pool. Cheeky fuckery at its finest.

I live in Birmingham, where the grown ups over 100 years ago decided that rather than serve themselves, they should serve the public and secure the city's water supply for future generations.

As the success of the scheme became clear, it had to be suppressed. After all, what if other regions followed suit and invested heavily in future infrastructure ? What sort of a world would that be to bring a child into ?

Thankfully saner minds prevailed and the dangerously civic ideas of Joseph Chamberlain ("Old Joe") have been largely forgotten.

Regardless of your exemption, it is for necessities and not filling a paddling pool every day. I do think you are being unreasonable in the way you are using it.

Maybe your brain is shrunk, just because your water reserves are fine, others arent

Yep they built reservoirs in Wales and the pipelines. They were smart and forward thinking.

Knowing why someone is exempt won't make a difference to water resources.

God I've given you the data for Thames water, United utilities and Anglia water. It's not my fault you can't interpret it.

The exemption rules in my old area did not extend to filling paddling pools, it was only for basic watering which others could do with a watering can. Also it doesn’t extend to everyone on the priority tariff, only those with mobility issues that prevent use of watering cans and without a second able bodied person in the household.

we were told there that paddling pools should not be filled. Current location doesn’t have a ban

not true where I live. Its why I keep saying to people to check THEIR OWN suppliers' website.

It wouldn't bother me if you filled up a paddling pool but I don't think that is what the exemption is for so if the authorities do come calling they may tell you not to use it for that - and if you get reported again you may get a fine

You're wasting your time giving sound advice.

I know but I can't help myself :)

My thoughts exactly! We have had a water main leak in our village high street for about 2months and absolutely fuck all has been done about it!
I would not begrudge a parent filling up a paddling pool on a hot sunny day!

Thank goodness that stopped. Will no one think of the bonuses ?

Yes, but when people suddenly use a third more water than normal the capacity to actually process water and pipe it becomes the limiting factor. Lots of people near me have intermittent low water pressure because there simply isn’t capacity for the extraordinarily levels of sustained demand currently happening. You can whinge about leaks, building more capacity, underinvestment etc etc but right now there simply isn’t enough water to go round if everyone keeps using so much - so restrictions on recreational water use and cosmetic stuff like watering cars are an obvious place to start. Complaining about leaks is cold comfort when your water pressure won’t stretch to filling the toilet cistern.

Or do you think having a water network that can cope with these sorts of massive peaks and historic heatwaves is realistic and worth paying for in increased bills so you can avoid not having a paddling pool?

I'm on the Priority Register - not all Water Companies have the same criteria.

It would not occur to me to abuse this by filling a fucking paddling pool !

OP is such a CF.

They don’t. They just need to fill the paddling pool with a bucket.
It’s a hosepipe ban not a water ban.