Would you report your neighbour for using a hose during a hosepipe ban?

The first hosepipe ban of the year is to come into force following the recent heatwave and one of the driest starts to the year on record.

Southern Water is to impose the temporary use ban on its customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from Friday August 5.

This will mean hosepipes cannot be used to water gardens or clean cars, and ornamental ponds and swimming pools must not be filled.

The restriction is the first to be put in place in the region since 2012, although the company stressed there is “no direct risk to customer water supply”.

From August 12, millions of people in Kent and Sussex will have a hosepipe ban enforced.

Once a ban is put in place, individuals who attempt to dodge the rules face the possibility of a hefty fine.

In fact, rule-breakers could be subject to a fine of as much as £1,000 if they choose to use their outdoor water supply.

In addition to a fine, hosepipe users could also be prosecuted in a criminal court.

Gardeners are being encouraged to grass on their green-fingered neighbours if they spot them repeatedly breaching hosepipe bans.

Southern Water, whose domestic water-use restrictions are now in place across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, encouraged people to “gently remind” neighbours of the restrictions in place if they saw anyone breaking the rules.

A hosepipe ban has also been introduced on the Isle of Man by Manx Utilities, which said the measure, starting on Friday July 29, follows an extremely dry period and an increase in usage over recent weeks, despite a campaign to encourage residents to “use water wisely”.

Would you grass on your neighbour for using a hose during a hosepipe ban?