Hosepipe bans to cover washing the windows as well

Current laws ban the use of hosepipes to water private gardens and cars during droughts. But new rules will stop customers filling paddling pools, ornamental ponds, pressure washers and swimming pools.

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Ignoring the restrictions risks a court appearance and fine of up to £1,000. This would include a hose being used by a mother to fill her toddlers inflatable pool or by residents washing their windows.

Environment Minister Phil Woolas announced details of the measure yesterday amid warnings of more water shortages and the need for tougher limits in future. Ministers were pressed to act by the privatised industry which wanted more powers to control domestic customers water use.

Mr Woolas said change was needed to end anomalies in the hosepipe bans imposed on some 13million people last year.

"We saw an extreme drought in the South-East and outdated legislation meant gardeners couldn't water their plants with a hosepipe but their neighbours could power-wash their patios or fill swimming pools," he said.

"That situation was clearly inconsistent and illogical. Many consumers, however, may believe that the industry needs to get its own house in order first."

Water firms such as Thames, United and Severn Trent have an appalling record on halting the massive waste of water from leaking pipes. Ministers pledged last year to update the 62-year-old legislation during what was described as one of the worst droughts in 100 years.

Earlier this year, the Consumer Council for Water warned ministers that extending hosepipe bans to cover the filling of small paddling pools went too far.

At the time, a spokesman said: "People who pay their annual water bill have a right to use water sensibly.

"You could argue that filling a small paddling pool with a hose is not an unreasonable use of water. Nobody wants to see people overusing water in a drought, but filling a small paddling pool should not be a reason for prosecution.

"He stressed that the industry should do more to conserve supplies. Water companies find it much harder to take customers with them when they are guilty of losing large amounts through leaks," he said.

But the consumer council yesterday revealed a change of opinion. Policy manager Karen Briggs said the body accepted extending the controls to paddling pools is necessary and pragmatic.

"Most consumers accept that there are times when restrictions on non-essential use are necessary, but want clear rules so they know what they can and can't do," she said.

Explaining the changes, Mr Woolas continued: "Our top priority in times of drought is conserving essential supplies for households for drinking, washing and cooking.

"Climate change could make drought more frequent and we must be ready. Our consultation has shown overwhelming support for a change in the law governing the use of hosepipes."

The Government is also extending the restrictions associated with drought orders. These extend controls to councils and businesses, and are the next step up from domestic hosepipe limits.

They ban the watering of parks, and sports grounds - including golf clubs - as well as the use of car washes and filling public fountains or ornamental ponds.

These orders will be extended to using hosepipes and pressure washers to clean paved areas at commercial or public buildings.

Ministers will need to find Parliamentary time to implement the changes, and that could take many months.