THE public are being urged not to report breaches of incoming hosepipe bans on 999.

Police forces across the country have already received calls to the emergency line about residents' use of water, even before the restrictions have come into place.

Yorkshire Water announced its first hosepipe ban in 27 years last Friday and it will come into force next Friday (August 26).

The utility company says the lack of rainfall means the measures are now "necessary" after the "trigger point" has been reached.

But it is unknown how long the ban will last for.

Activities covered by the hosepipe ban include:

  • Watering a garden (and plants)
  • Cleaning vehicles
  • Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
  • Drawing water for domestic recreational use
  • Cleaning walls or windows of domestic premises
  • Cleaning paths or patios
  • Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces

Police forces across the country have sent out an important message today to inform people that the hosepipe ban is a civil matter, not a criminal one, after police call handlers have been forced to divert away from dealing with real emergencies in recent days.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they have already seen “unprecedented demand” on their phone lines about a number of issues this summer, receiving more than 1,000 calls a day.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper said: “We are also already getting calls from people reporting breaches of the hosepipe ban due to come in next week – which should be directed to the water company.

“All these issues should be dealt with by other agencies. There is a list of these agencies on our website, so please check online before you call us.”

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said: “Breaches of hosepipe bans are a civil matter and should not be reported to the police.

“Any member of the public who has concerns about a potential breach should consider the advice from their water provider.”

Those using their hosepipes during bans could face fines of up to £1,000 if taken to court, although water companies say they prefer “education over enforcement”.

People have been encouraged to report their neighbours if they spot them repeatedly breaching bans.

Southern Water, which imposed a ban on August 5, said: “We believe peer pressure is influencing behaviour as no one wants to be the person on the street with a green lawn and shiny car.

“Our approach is to engage and educate customers when we are approached about people failing to follow the rules.”