England imposes water restrictions due to drought Published April 3, 2012 RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom -- Seven water companies across south and eastern England will impose hosepipe bans starting April 5 due to the drought in those areas. The companies imposing the hosepipe ban are: Anglian Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water, Veolia Central and Veolia South East Water. People living near RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Molesworth, RAF Upwood and the surrounding London area will more than likely be affected by this ban. The Environment Agency has stated it may expand the area of the hosepipe ban, depending on the amount of rainfall this spring. Personnel assigned to military family housing units owned by the 422nd or 423rd Air Base Group will also comply with the hosepipe ban. If a person violates the ban, they risk prosecution and being fined up to £1,000. The following are examples of illegal use of a hosepipe: · Cleaning a private vehicle · Watering plants on a domestic premise · Cleaning a private leisure boat · Filling or maintaining a domestic pool · Drawing water for domestic recreational use · Filling or maintaining a domestic pond · Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain · Cleaning walls or windows of a domestic premise · Cleaning paths or patios · Cleaning artificial outdoor surfaces Personnel will still be able to water gardens with a watering can or use a bucket to clean a car. If there is any confusion on what is or isn't a legal use of a hosepipe contact the water supplier or the housing office for clarification. For more information visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/drought/131105.aspx (Information courtesy of the Environment Agency)