More than two million households have indicated they plan to disregard newly imposed hosepipe bans aimed at addressing drought conditions across parts of England, according to a recent survey. The YouGov poll of 4,200 adults found that 11% of those affected by the restrictions said they would continue to use hosepipes despite the ban, while 5% remained uncertain.

The bans, which prohibit activities such as watering gardens and filling paddling or swimming pools with hosepipes, currently impact approximately 23 million residents. Water companies enforcing these restrictions include Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, and South West Water. Essex & Suffolk Water introduced a similar ban starting August 3.

Public opinion on the measures is divided, with 49% expressing support and 35% opposing them. Some individuals cited concerns about wasting homegrown fruits and vegetables or harming wildlife as reasons for not complying. A subset of users on water meters also feel entitled to unrestricted use, arguing that paying for water should grant them the freedom to consume it without limits. One participant commented that high water bills are an unfair burden, especially when water companies prioritize executive salaries over infrastructure improvements, such as building new reservoirs.

The Environment Agency highlighted the significance of hosepipe usage in water consumption, noting that a single hosepipe can use up to 1,000 liters of water per hour — an amount that can exceed what a four-person household uses in an entire day.

Mike Keil, chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water, acknowledged challenges in motivating consumers to save water. He pointed to ongoing issues with water company leakage rates, suggesting that when customers see insufficient progress in managing leaks, their willingness to adopt water-saving behaviors may diminish.

The hosepipe bans come amid ongoing drought conditions that have prompted water companies and regulators to implement restrictions in efforts to conserve dwindling water supplies across southeastern England and surrounding areas.