An official restriction on the use of hosepipes, imposed by a particular water company on its customers during a water shortage.
hosepipe bans are already in force across much of the South East
Example sentencesExamples
The government had begun to panic about low water levels in April and May, and hosepipe bans combined with water restrictions were introduced.
This month she said they should start growing drought-resistant plants, put down plenty of mulch and not flout the hosepipe bans.
The hosepipe ban does not cover any public gardens, parks or lawns where everyone has the right of access.
North Yorkshire householders were asked to cut down on watering their parched gardens, or face a hosepipe ban.
They predicted that there would be no new hosepipe bans this year.
Southern Water, already under a hosepipe ban, has been taking extra water from rivers to keep reservoirs moderately stocked.
The worst affected area, however, is still the South East, where almost 13 million people are subject to a hosepipe ban.
There's never a hosepipe ban in January.
Either this sunshine stops - now - or we have a hosepipe ban this summer.
The existing hosepipe bans already cover private gardens.
Although some hosepipe bans remained in force until the end of the year, the lengthy water shortage which had begun in November 2004 effectively ended in September.
Neighbours have been reluctant to report each other for breaking hosepipe bans and only small numbers have called hotlines since water restrictions were brought in for millions of householders a week ago.
Meanwhile, although Thames Water reported a drop in profits because of lower usage, millions were risking heavy fines by ignoring hosepipe bans to water their gardens and clean their cars.
In the summer I feel there should have been a hosepipe ban.
Remember, during a hosepipe ban using the hose to wash your car is not permitted.
Today's report comes after two dry years in which eight companies imposed hosepipe bans.
Even contemplating a hosepipe ban shows the depth of the crisis.
Most of the South-East will have a hosepipe ban in place by the start of April.
Residents could find themselves under a hosepipe ban only weeks into the start of spring.
Thames Water says there might be a hosepipe ban on account of there not being enough rain over the winter.