Leep Utilities asks customers to observe Yorkshire Water’s temporary usage/hosepipe ban, in place from July 11th, 2025

Leep Utilities, a leading owner and operator of last-mile utility networks, is asking its customers to observe the hosepipe ban in support of Yorkshire Water’s restrictions that will come into force on July 11th, 2025.

The region is currently experiencing an unusually dry spell. Reservoir levels are falling, and river flows are very low. Yorkshire Water is working hard to manage the situation through their drought and water resource plans, but further action is now essential.

Vicky Bell, Head of Regulation and Compliance at Leep Utilities, said: “With our changing climate we are seeing more extremes of weather across the country and that includes long spells without significant rainfall, which can lead to drought. Yorkshire Water considers it necessary to restrict water consumption through the hosepipe ban as part of its drought planning and we fully support this action. As well as protecting supplies, restricting water use now will help to protect the environment by limiting the volume of water that has to be drawn from the environment. Our customers have been advised directly of the restrictions and any exemptions that may apply.”

Hosepipe use restrictions

Domestic use of a hosepipe that draws water from the mains supply is now banned. Some common activities covered by the ban include using a hosepipe to:

·      Water gardens, including plants

·      Clean vehicles or boats

·      Fill or maintain domestic swimming or paddling pools

·      Clean domestic premises, including windows, paths and patios

·      Draw water for any domestic recreational use

It is still permissible to use tap water for the above activities if it doesn’t involve a hosepipe, such as using a bucket or watering can instead. The use of a hosepipe to draw water from sources other than the mains supply is allowed; for example, using rainwater from a water butt or private borehole.

Businesses can continue to use a hosepipe only if it is directly related to a commercial need, such as watering crops. Using a hose pipe is not permitted if the purpose is not essential to the functioning of the business.

There are some exceptions to the ban. Blue Badge holders, those on Leep’s Priority Services Register or customers on the WaterSure tariff for medical reasons, can continue to use hosepipes.

Breaching a hosepipe ban can lead to fines of up to £1,000, which are enforceable under the Water Industry Act.

See Leep’s website for the latest ideas about how to conserve water www.leeputilities.co.uk/water-saving-tips

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Editors notes

Leep Utilities (Leep) is a UK-based last-mile multi-utility company. Working in partnership with developers, land owners, and project delivery partners on residential, commercial, data centre and mixed-use developments, it provides network adoption for electricity, water and wastewater and heat networks.

Leep owns and operates regulated and non-regulated networks, holds an Independent Distributer Network Operations (IDNO) licence and is Ofwat approved to provide NAV (New Appointment and Variations) services. Leep is backed by Ancala Partners LLP ('Ancala'), a leading independent infrastructure investment manager.

For more information, please visit www.leeputilities.co.uk