How to claim a free water butt as hosepipe bans approach

If June is anything to go by, then we’re looking at a long, hot summer here in the UK. Yet, while we might be tempted to fill up our paddling pools and keep our grass lush and green through regular watering as temperatures breach 30C, it’s more important than ever to conserve water as hosepipe bans approach.

South East Water bosses announced mid-June that a hosepipe ban was set to come in across Kent and Sussex due to a record demand for drinking water.

Read more: Where in the UK is there a hosepipe ban? - Yahoo News UK, 3-min read

Some areas of the region were left with little to no water, which means a temporary ban on hose pipes and sprinklers will come into effect from June 26.

Just 1% of the world’s water is accessible freshwater, so the more tap water we use, the less there is to go around.

One way that we can store freshwater ourselves is by using a water butt, which is a large barrel used for catching and keeping rainwater – luckily, you can get some water-saving devices for free.

While rain water should not be consumed as drinking water, it can be used for recreational activities such as watering your garden, washing your car, or cleaning your windows.

How to get a free water butt

The easiest way to get a free water butt is to head to Save Water Save Money and enter your postcode to see if you are eligible.

South West Water, which covers Devon, Cornwall and small parts of Dorset and Somerset, offers free water butts to many of its customers. To get one, simply fill in the company’s questionnaire to see if you're entitled to one.

Read more: Why do I swell up in the heat? How to reduce heat oedema this summer - Yahoo Life UK, 2-min read

Cambridge Water and South Staffs Water are two other providers that offer free home water-saving products. Enter your postcode through the Get Water Fit website to check whether you qualify. Similarly, Anglian Water offers a free water saving garden kit for eligible residents.

While Thames Water does not offer free water butts, it does provide free home visits to fix leaks and install devices.

Do I need a water butt?

People who have large gardens, vegetable patches or flower beds can reduce their water bills and usage by installing and using a water butt. So choosing to get one, free or not, could be helpful during dry summer months to allow your garden to continue thriving.

If you have a small garden, or a garden without plants and vegetables, you may not need a water butt.

What you need to know before ordering a water butt

Whether you are eligible for a free water butt, or would like to purchase one for your home, there are some thing to consider before buying:

• Choose the right size water butt: If you have a large garden and more space, a larger water butt would be more suitable. For smaller gardens, opt for a slim-line water butt.

• Make sure you have the right space to fit your water butt: Water butts need to sit near a drainpipe and often be mounted on a wall or sitting on a platform on a flat surface so that the tap is accessible. It's best to make sure you have the correct space for a water butt before purchasing.

• A water butt won't work with a hose: The pressure from a water butt will not work with a hose. Instead, you will need to fill up a watering can and use this on your garden instead.

• It needs to be connected to a downpipe: When installing your water butt, you will need to collect rainwater via a downpipe that comes from the guttering. This downpipe will need to be connected to the water butt, either by you or by a professional.

Not eligible for a free water butt? Best sites to purchase a one online

• Wilko: Prices start at £22

• B&Q: Prices start at £30

• Homebase: Prices start at £32

• Amazon: Prices start at £33

• Crocus: Prices start at £45.99

• Evergreener: Prices start at £59.99

Watch: Millions to be hit by hosepipe ban