A temporary use ban (TUB), also known as a hosepipe ban, has been introduced by Thames Water for customers whose water supply is provided by the company.
The restrictions will come into effect from 00.01 BST on Thursday 23 July 2026.
The ban applies to customers who receive their drinking water supply from Thames Water. It does not apply to customers who only receive wastewater services from Thames Water, or to customers supplied by another water company, although other water companies may have their own restrictions in place.
The restrictions have been introduced following prolonged dry weather, recent heatwaves, low rainfall and higher-than-normal water demand. Thames Water is asking customers to reduce non-essential water use to help protect water supplies and the environment.
What does this mean for recreational cricket?
Berkshire Cricket requests that all cricket clubs follow the guidance issued by Thames Water for the duration of the hosepipe ban.
The key consideration for cricket clubs is the watering of the active playing surface of the cricket square. Thames Water’s guidance confirms that sports pitches can be watered on the area actively used for play.
This exemption does not allow clubs to water the entire cricket ground or outfield. Clubs should only use water where it is genuinely necessary for health and safety and should take all reasonable steps to minimise water use.
Square Watering
On health and safety grounds there is an exemption that allows cricket club to water cricket pitches. The exemption relates to the use of water only for the active playing surface (i.e. the cricket pitch, not the outfield) on health and safety grounds and not for aesthetics.
Watering of pitches in use is permitted under health and safety exemptions but to maintain this exemption requires a change in watering practice. Clubs will not need to register for an exemption. ‘ECB Comment’
Outfield Watering
This does not have an exemption and therefore watering the outfield is strictly prohibited during the time that the hosepipe ban is in place.
Private Borehole
Water sourced from a private borehole is completely exempt from hosepipe bans (Temporary Use Bans). Hosepipe restrictions only apply to hosepipes and pressure washers connected to the mains (drinking) water supply. However, where a cricket club has a borehole we still encourage the club to exercise caution and limit usage to essential supply.
What guidance is there for cricket clubs?
- The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has useful guidance on preparing pitches under drought conditions.
- Check the advice locally in your area from the water company you use so you’re fully up to speed.
Additional Best Practice
To help cricket clubs conserve water and maintain safe playing surfaces, clubs should consider the following:
1. Water only where needed
When preparing pitches, apply water only to the areas where it is necessary. Avoid over-application, runoff and unnecessary water loss. Where appropriate, use targeted or hand-watering techniques.
2. Water at cooler times
Where watering is permitted, consider irrigating in the evening or at cooler times of the day to reduce evaporation and allow water to infiltrate the ground overnight.
3. Use covers where available
If covers are available, clubs can use them to help retain moisture in the ground following permitted irrigation and reduce water losses through evaporation.
4. Conserve water in the clubhouse
Clubs should also help reduce water consumption by:
- Fixing leaks promptly.
- Turning off taps when they are not in use.
- Avoiding unnecessary water use.
- Keeping shower times to a minimum.
- Encouraging members and visitors to use water responsibly.
In summary
The Thames Water Temporary Use Ban comes into effect from 00.01 BST on Thursday 23 July 2026 and does not mean that recreational cricket has to stop.
Where necessary for health and safety, cricket pitches can be watered on the area actively used for play. However, clubs should not interpret this as a general exemption to water the entire cricket square or outfield. Water should be used sparingly, responsibly and only where genuinely necessary.
Berkshire Cricket asks all clubs to conserve water wherever possible and to check the latest Thames Water guidance before undertaking any watering during the Temporary Use Ban.