The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) today welcomes the news from the water companies that landscaping and turf businesses will have further exemptions from the hosepipe ban.
The adjustment to the Temporary Use Ban by the seven water companies in the south and east of England allows ‘landscape gardening businesses’ and ‘their customers’ to use hosepipes to water newly laid turf and plants, for up to 28 days from planting.
This decision comes as it was confirmed that the record rainfall experienced in April and continuing rain in May has reduced the severity of the on-going water shortage in the South and East of England although groundwater levels still remain exceptionally low and the hosepipe bans remain in place.
Wayne Grills, Chief Operations Officer for BALI said: “We are extremely appreciative of the fact that water companies have reviewed the restrictions on the landscape industry in light of the record rainfall that we have experienced. Our members were facing serious business challenges as a result of the restrictions and this was likely to get worse with lost contracts and job losses. Much of this can now be prevented thanks to this decision which was made as a result of the business case we made with other landscape trade bodies. We will be asking our members to fully support the need for water efficiency and do all they can to carry out water efficient practices, such as the use of drip watering systems, and to promote these and other systems to their clients.”
BALI National Chairman, Paul Cowell adds, “The restrictions have had a real impact on our member businesses, including suppliers and the industry in general. This would only be exacerbated if the restrictions had continued throughout the summer, so it is a huge relief that the water companies have listened to our concerns, and in the light of the weather, lifted the restrictions for landscapers.”
Richard Aylard, sustainability director for Thames Water, one of the water companies making the adjustment to the Temporary Use Ban, comments, “We are relieved to be in a position to take this step to allow gardening businesses to carry on designing, landscaping, maintaining and building new features and gardens, while safeguarding their livelihoods and those of their employees.”