Get ready for a hosepipe ban

Despite the heatwave seemingly coming to an end and the rain returning to Oldham over the course of the past few days, it looks like we’re set for a widely-predicted hosepipe ban in the coming weeks.

Water company United Utilities have announced they plan to impose the restrictions on the amount of water we use from August in a bid to halt falling reservoir levels.

The ban on people watering their gardens with hosepipes and/or sprinklers and washing their cars with the same, is expected to be brought in on Sunday, August 5.

United Utilities have launched a Postcode tracker via their website so customers can see if they’re home is covered by the ban.

However, the Chronicle has entered in several postcodes from across Oldham and it appears the whole borough is covered by the ban when it comes into force.

In a statement on their website, United Utilities said: “We’ve all been enjoying the lovely hot weather, but the lack of rain and high demand for water means that our reservoirs are now lower than we’d like them to be at this time of year.

“That’s why we’ve taken the decision to introduce a hosepipe ban across most of the North West on August 5. 

"This means you won’t be allowed to use either a hosepipe or sprinkler as they use an incredible amount of water.

"We know hosepipe bans can be inconvenient but by taking these steps now we can make sure we have enough water for more essential things like drinking, washing and cooking.”

The main restrictions include:

Watering a garden and/or plants using a hosepipe

Cleaning a private car, van, motorbike, trailer, caravan or leisure boat using a hosepipe

Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming pool, paddling pool or ornamental fountain

Cleaning walls or windows using a hosepipe

Using a water from a hosepipe for domestic recreational use

Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe

Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.

You can still use water outdoors if you:

Use tap water to fill a bucket or watering can

Use grey water, which is water that’s been used before ie bath water

Have your own water supply such as a private borehole.

United Utilities has come in for some criticism over the decision, with claims they haven’t fixed burst water pipes quickly enough and that’s contributed to the lack of water in reservoirs across the region.

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