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Written question asked by Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Water: Shortages

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of removing exemptions within Temporary Use Bans that permit construction sites and housing developers to use sprinklers to water newly laid lawns during periods of water scarcity.

Answer

Water companies are responsible for deciding whether to implement a Temporary Use Ban during periods of water scarcity and must do so in accordance with their statutory drought plans and the relevant legislative framework. Temporary Use Bans are intended to reduce non-essential water use while allowing certain exemptions set out in legislation and guidance.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
25210
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Construction Housing Exemptions Water Shortages
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk