UK Hosepipe Bans & Your Horse

Water companies across the UK are implementing Temporary Use Bans (TUBs), commonly known as hosepipe bans, due to persistent dry conditions and record-breaking demand.

• South East Water announced its ban affecting Kent & Sussex: announced on 11 July 2025, legally in effect from 18 July 2025.

• Yorkshire Water has its restrictions in force across its entire region starting 11 July 2025, following the driest spring in over 130 years.

  
  

Why Are Hosepipe Bans Being Enforced?

The purpose of hosepipe bans is to reduce non-essential water use, such as watering gardens, in order to preserve drinking water supplies during dry conditions.

While specifics may vary slightly between water companies, prohibited activities typically include:

• Watering gardens with a hose

• Washing cars or vehicles with hoses

• Filling swimming pools, paddling pools, fountains, or decorative ponds

• Cleaning patios, driveways, or windows with hoses

What Does This Mean for Horse Owners?

The welfare of animals is paramount as as such are protected during hosepipe bans, so you can continue to use hosepipes to look after your horse.

South East Water state: "using a hosepipe where the welfare and/or health and safety of animals, including fish, is paramount will not be restricted – therefore their drinking or living requirements will not be affected, and you can continue to use a hosepipe for these purposes."

This means you are still allowed to use hoses to:

• Give horses a proper wash-down

• Fill troughs, buckets, or tanks

• Clean stables, trailers, and lorries if it's genuinely for the horses’ wellbeing

Obviously if you can be more efficient with water during these times then that would be encouraged.

How Long Will the Ban Last?

Yorkshire Water have said restrictions will stay in place "until we receive significant rainfall and our reservoir levels return to a situation much closer to normal". There is no confirmed end date at this time, so staying updated is important.

Need Clarification?

If you're unsure about the rules in your area, or how they apply to you as a horse owner, you can contact your local water company for further clarification.