A recent survey indicates that over 10 percent of households affected by hosepipe restrictions in England do not plan to fully comply with the bans. The YouGov poll, conducted among more than 4,200 adults, found that 11 percent of respondents under a hosepipe ban intend to disregard it, while an additional 5 percent were uncertain about whether they would adhere to the rules.

Eight water companies including Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Essex & Suffolk Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, and South West Water have imposed these temporary restrictions, officially known as “Temporary Use Bans,” on approximately 23 million customers. This represents around 40 percent of England’s population.

The survey also revealed mixed public opinion on the bans, with 49 percent of those surveyed supporting the restrictions in their area, and 35 percent opposing them. Some respondents expressed the view that households with water meters should be permitted to use unrestricted amounts since they pay directly for consumption. Others cited concerns about the impact of restrictions on food produce in gardens and allotments, stating that using watering cans to maintain fruit and vegetables is difficult, potentially leading to waste. Additionally, some participants said they intended to continue watering to support garden wildlife.

Under current regulations, households affected by the bans can use watering cans, and hosepipes remain permissible for watering edible plants at home or in allotments. However, the limitations aim to reduce significant water usage, with officials noting that hosepipes can consume up to 1,000 liters per hour—more than the daily usage of an average family of four.

Criticism of water providers was also expressed by some respondents, with complaints about high water bills and dissatisfaction regarding investments in infrastructure. One householder questioned the readiness of water companies to manage drought conditions, pointing out a perceived lack of sufficient reservoirs despite the country’s status as a developed nation.

The hosepipe bans come amid prolonged dry weather affecting nearly one-third of England, with only the North East and Yorkshire experiencing near-normal conditions for the season. Last week, the Environment Agency officially designated seven areas of England as being in drought.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency emphasized the importance of the restrictions for water conservation, stating that the short-term bans help water companies manage supplies amid uncertain rainfall patterns and ongoing drought conditions.