THE NEWS of a Hampshire and Isle of Wight hosepipe ban made a splash after it was announced yesterday.

The announcement comes as water companies look to manage reserves amid the continued heat.

The Environment Agency has said it is now taking "precautionary actions to mitigate impacts as hydrological conditions deteriorate and enhancing its monitoring and protection of water resources, along with the water companies".

READ MORE: Countywide hosepipe ban as England faces potential drought

The restrictions will apply to all Southern Water supply areas and will come into place from Friday, August 5 at 5pm.

However, there is currently no indication of when it will end, leaving many people to ask what they can and can’t do while the ban is in force.

Read on to find out more.

What can I not do during the ban?

The use of a hosepipe, including using sprinklers, dripper hoses, automatic irrigation systems and similar devices, is prohibited for the following:

  • Watering a garden using a hosepipe
  • Cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe
  • Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
  • Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
  • Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
  • Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
  • Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
  • Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
  • Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe
  • Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
  • Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe

Anyone who breaks the prohibitions could be hit with a fine of up to £1,000.

What can I do during the ban?

Residents can carry out any of the above listed activities if they use mains water from a bucket or watering can.

Any water not sourced from the mains - such as rainwater from a water butt - is also fine to use.

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