An increasing number of Water Authorities have introduced restrictions on water use. The details of what water use activities are banned can differ from area to area, so it is important for businesses to know what is and is not allowed in their region.

Water Authorities do not have the power under this Act to impose bans on businesses. The power to do this rests with Government and, specifically, with the Environment Secretary who can ban the use of water for any non-domestic purpose as they see fit.

Currently (end of August 2022), there are no bans on any form of water use for businesses. However business are advised that wherever possible, they should try to mirror the rules on domestic water use in order to play their part in conserving water and not drawing criticism, for example, for watering their lawns when neighbours are banned from doing so.