Residents in southern England have been encouraged to report their neighbours to water companies if they find them repeatedly breaching the outdoor water-use restrictions during the ongoing drought.
The first hosepipe bans—also known as temporary use bans (TUBs)—were introduced on Aug. 5 in parts of southern England, with further restrictions earmarked for the Southeast of England and southwest Wales later this month.
Rule-breakers face fines of up to £1,000 ($1,205) if taken to court, although water companies say they prefer “education over enforcement.”
Southern Water, which has imposed water-use restrictions on households in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, encouraged people to “gently remind” neighbours of the restrictions if they see anyone breaking the rules….