HTA & WATERWISE: Draft code of practice on water restrictions

The Horticultural Trades Association and Waterwise has created the below draft code of practice on water restrictions. The association will be emphasising the need for a code of practice in response to the Government’s draft flood and water management bill.

Restrictions on the Non-essential Uses of Water in Gardens
A code of practice
(Draft – July 2008)

Background

Drought conditions in summer 2006 led to widespread bans on the use of hosepipes to water gardens and wash private cars, particularly in the South and East of England. These bans were introduced by water companies and applied different restrictions in different areas. The lack of consistency of application resulted in widespread confusion amongst the gardening public and water companies alike.

The then Secretary of State, David Milliband, ordered a review of the legislation surrounding hosepipe bans and Defra undertook a formal consultation between March and June 2007.

Environment Minister, Phil Woolas, announced the Government response to that consultation in October 2007. As part of the consultation response he announced that the water industry, in conjunction with stakeholders should produce a Code of Practice informing people about the new powers. This code should also explain the priorities for water use when in water is in short supply and how restrictions would typically be implemented. He stressed that restrictions can be phased in and out at different times and concessions can be given. The Code should explain how these concessions can be applied for.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), is the leading trade association for the ornamental horticulture and gardening industry. The HTA firmly believes in the need to conserve water. The HTA believes it is encumbent on all players in society to take a responsible view on the use of water. This does not just mean restricting the use of water in gardens, but must also take into account the positive benefits to individuals and society, in terms of health and well-being of well-cared for gardens.

The HTA has developed this Code of Practice to help Government and Water Companies achieve their aims as far as the use of water in gardens is concerned. This Code is designed to add to changes to the legislation announced by Government and should be read in conjunction with the legislation (see Appendix I). The Code learns from actions carried out elsewhere in the world restricting the use of water at times of shortage. It recommends a phased approach to restrictions on the use of water, which should be easily understood by users of water and enforcement officers alike.

A phased approach to restrictions

This Code proposes a phased approach to water restrictions, coupled with concessions, as envisaged by Government. These phases can be summarised as follows:

Level 1 – Normal
Level 2 – Potential Drought
Level 3 – Drought
Level 4 – Severe Drought
Level 5 – Water rationing, stand pipes etc

Restrictions on the Non-essential Uses of Water in Gardens
A code of practice
(Draft – July 2008)

Publicity and provision of information

Efficient use of water should be a priority at all times, not just at times when restrictions are threatened because of shortages. Therefore, all stakeholders should be encouraging the efficient use of water in gardens at all times. This should be done through publicity and public relations campaigns and should involve all stakeholders (water companies, garden retailers, Government agencies etc) providing clear, unambiguous messages to gardeners of the importance of water efficiency. Information regarding water resources should also be readily available to interested parties (eg through websites) in a timely and consistent manner. This information should enable individuals to gauge the likelihood of shortages in the future. This publicity activity should take place across all 5 levels.

Water delivery systems

Current restrictions take no account of the relative efficiencies of different water delivery systems. Drip irrigation systems are much more efficient at delivering water to where it is needed than traditional sprinkler systems. This Code of Practice should recognise these advances in technology by phasing in restrictions on the use of drip irrigation systems at a later stage than sprinklers. This will also have the added advantage of sending the water efficiency message to keen gardeners.

Time restrictions

In times of water shortages restrictions should be imposed on when different systems can be operated. For clarity this should be between the hours of 9am and 6pm.

Concession for age/disability

Many elderly and disabled people have difficulty in carrying water in order to irrigate their plants. This should be recognised by enabling them to apply to their water company for a concession to enable them to continue to use hosepipes in their gardens, accompanied by information on efficient use of water. This concession should be made available to those over 70 years of age and those registered as disabled (ie holders of a blue badge). For others outside these 2 categories the concession should be made available where a general practitioner provides a letter stating that the individual concerned needs the concession.

Concession for newly lain turf/landscape

In recognition of the need to allow gardens to be created or renewed for both personal and business reasons, it should be possible to apply to a water company for a concession to allow watering in these situations to allow plants and turf to establish.

Swimming pools/hot tubs/etc

A clear position needs to be established on the use of water in swimming pool, hot tubs etc.

Enforcement

These new rules should be properly and consistently enforced.

Restrictions on the Non-essential Uses of Water in Gardens
A code of practice
(Draft – July 2008)

Summary of suggested permissions/restrictions

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