It’s not hosepipe use that’s illegal, it’s connecting one to the mains, and even then exemptions apply. Nine water companies are now restricted UK-wide. Here’s why, what’s really banned, and how it compares to 1976.
Turns whatever you’ve collected in the water butt into real, usable pressure for the garden — no more decanting by watering can. Here’s our full verdict on the Gardena rain barrel pump.
The VonHaus submersible water pump clears a flooded cellar or garage when it matters, and moves water from the rain barrel the rest of the time. Here’s our full verdict.
The Blucky pressure washer runs from a bucket instead of the mains, so a hosepipe ban doesn’t stop you cleaning the car or watering the garden. Here’s our full hands-on verdict.
Yellow heat-health alert active as hosepipe ban hits all Devon and Cornwall, wildfires strain fire crews nationwide, and a pasta recall enters its final day.
Second day of rail chaos hits North West England; South West Water extends its hosepipe ban to Devon and Somerset from Saturday.
Drought called ‘exceptionally serious’ as a burst main leaves Diss without water; new wildfires break out in Leeds, Cannock Chase and London.
Police legal database hacked, up to 135,000 records leaked. England’s driest July since 1911 confirmed as shops pull disposable BBQs over wildfire risk.
Three wildfires burn across the UK as England and Wales record their driest July ever; burst mains hit Wisbech and Wrexham today. What to check now.
Amber heat alert hits 34C as thousands in Kent go days without water after a burst main. Wildfires continue in Suffolk and hit the M1. Full checklist.
UK drought pushes veg prices up 90% and threatens housing plans; heat-health alert eases to yellow. Check today’s hosepipe rules and briefing.
Suffolk wildfire burns 150 hectares near Sizewell B as drought grips England and Wales; hosepipe bans expand to 2m more homes. Full checklist inside.
Suffolk wildfire near Sizewell B stabilising as drought hits half of England and all Wales; hosepipe bans now cover 40% of households.
Major wildfire evacuates Suffolk homes as drought is declared across seven English regions. Today’s household risks, hosepipe bans and action checklist.
Amber heat-health alert in force today as UK hits 35C; rail delays and drought worsen. Check on elderly neighbours and expect travel disruption.
Amber heat-health alert hits England Wednesday as UK’s 4th heatwave pushes 35°C; NI heating oil jumps 29% amid Iran conflict.
Yellow heat-health alert runs Tue-Fri as London heads for 33C Wednesday; heating oil prices jump amid Middle East conflict. What to do today.
Is Russia a threat to the UK? A two-year, sourced look at the jets, warships, undersea cables and cyberattacks — and the calm, practical case for household resilience.
Hosepipe bans widen to 18m across southern England as a fourth heatwave builds for midweek; Cairngorms evacuees return home, Essex fire contained.
Moorland fires have burned over 18,600 hectares this year, and the fire service fighting them is running on retained crews, mutual aid, and reservoirs running dry. Here’s what it means for your own home.