My neighbour is threatening to call the cops on anyone using a hosepipe – has she lost the plot?

MILLIONS of households continue to face hosepipe bans, as drought status has been declared in parts of the UK. But for those caught breaking the rules, can law enforcement get involved? Would you confront your neighbour for using a hosepipe under the bans? (stock) Credit: Getty One UK resident posed this question on Reddit, asking Brits whether they would confront their neighbours if found using hosepipes or “simply mind their own business?” They wrote: “My neighbour says she’ll call the police if she sees anyone using a hosepipe. Has she lost the plot? Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! “I thought she was joking, but she was completely serious and said people need to be held accountable.” Curious about the etiquette surrounding the ban, the resident also questioned what the line was between “wanting people to follow the rules and actively policing your neighbours.” And, the consensus appears that many would choose not to report those breaking the ban. One said: “I wouldn’t report because I don’t know their individual circumstances.” Another added: “No-one has ever been convicted of violating a hosepipe ban. Let her call the police, they won’t show up.” Thames Water, the latest supplier to introduce the ban as of last week, even urged customers to “not call 999” if they saw someone using a hosepipe. Most read in The Sun The water supplier said: “You don’t need to contact us about neighbours using hosepipes. We will get in touch with customers who repeatedly don’t follow the rules.” Instead, Water UK – who represents all water and wastewater service providers in the country – recommends using a polite reminder first, where appropriate and safe to do so. If you think someone is a repeated offender, then it is best to contact your local water supplier and submit details through an online “water misuse” form. But, before making that report, it is essential to check that a ban is actually in force in your area and that your neighbour does not have any qualifying exemptions. It is also important to check whether there are any signs that a non-mains water supply is being used, such as a water butt. Reporting someone for using a hosepipe does not apply to all water companies either, as some companies prefer to contact offenders themselves. This includes providers such as Thames Water, Southern Water and Yorkshire Water. And remember, the police and local council should not be contacted as hosepipe regulations are “civil matters for utility providers” and not emergencies. 1 comment1