During hot spells in summer, after winter periods with low amounts of rainfall, some areas in the UK will be low on water.
As a result and some utility companies issues and enforces a hosepipe ban.
So what does that mean? Well - the legislation behind hosepipe bans was put in place in 1945, and is aimed at private houesholds, to prevent them from watering their gardens or wash their cars etc.
using a hosepipe.
The goal is to stop these high usage activities, and to preserve water supplies.
Also, supposedly, it takes the pressure of the utility companies during peak periods.
So how does this affect us as gardeners and allotmenteers? Some UK utility companies class allotment plots as private gardens, to which the ban applies, while other utility companies don't.
While Allotment plot holders in some areas will be hit by the bans, others will remain unaffected.
With the legislation being over 60 years old - there's some confusion as to what you're allowed to do during a ban.
According to the current law..
..
You can NOT:

• Use a hose to water your lawn or plants
• Use a hose to water your vegetable plot
• Use any watering system connected to the mains
• Use a hose to wash your car or van

What you CAN do is:

• Use a hose or jet wash to clean a patio area, driveway or your garden furniture
• Use a watering can
• Use a bucket to wash your car or van
• Fill a swimming pool or pond

Double standards? Maybe! But until legislation is changed, these are the rules that applies.
So how do you know if your area is subject to a hosepipe ban? The local media will most likely tell you.
Failing that - you can check the website of your local utility company - who will also inform you how the ban applies to you.