The National Allotment Society - National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd

Allotments No Longer Exempt From Hosepipe Ban- Southern Water U-Turn

Important Update on Hosepipe Ban for Allotment Gardeners.

In good faith the National Allotment Society made representation to Southern Water on the 1st August as requested within their notification of the hose pipe ban.

This was requested so that our members could reap the benefit of the crops that have now reached a critical stage and also due to all the cost of living increases along with the dependency many plot holders have on their food production.

Later that day we received confirmation from the Compliance Department of Southern Water that allotments would be entitled to have exemption, for using hose pipes.

Having sent out notification to all our members in the Southern Region on the 5th August, later on the 9th the decision we received a message to say it had been overturned by a senior executive of Southern Water.

We have delayed this statement as the NAS legal manager tried to contact Southern Water to clarify this U-turn and to propose a joint statement to justify the situation but we have still not yet received a reply.  The legal manager is continuing to work on the behalf of plot holders to change the ruling but we are not gaining any involvement from the water company.

We continue to have written proof of the initial exemption so members who have been challenged previously can contact NAS for assistance but sadly, the hosepipe ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight does NOT exclude allotments.

For those with mobility issues, it is possible to apply for a PSR outlined below If any members are Blue Badge holders they’re automatically exempt from the restriction.

Apply to join the PSR using the following link: Priority Services Register (southernwater.co.uk).

Members may water their allotments with tap water by hand, using a bucket or with a watering can. They may also water their allotments using rainwater from a water butt through a hosepipe.