Allotments NOT Exempt from Hosepipe Ban

Published: 12 August 2022

The use of hosepipes on allotments is restricted. Please note that allotments sites are not exempt from the hosepipe ban.
The following has been supplied by Southern Water in relation to the watering of allotments:
Is the watering of allotments included in the hosepipe ban?
Yes. The restrictions that are associated with a Temporary Usage Ban cover the watering of gardens with a hosepipe, which does extend to cover allotments which are used to grow domestic food crops. Therefore you should not water an allotment with a hosepipe.
However, there are still options available to customers to maintain their allotments whilst the restriction is in place, including a number of ‘exemptions’ that may help those with limited mobility. These include:
If you are a Blue Badge holder, then you are automatically exempt from the restriction. If you are on our Priority Services Register (PSR) for reasons relating to reduced mobility then you can apply for an exemption. If you are not on the PSR, but feel you should be, you can apply to join using the following link: Priority Services Register (southernwater.co.uk) You may continue to water allotments with tap water by hand, using a bucket or with a watering can. You may also water allotments using rainwater from a water butt through a hosepipe.
Tenants are reminded that Southern Water have the power to make fines of up to £1000 for breaches of the Temporary Usage Ban.