What does the Hosepipe Ban mean for recreational cricket in Norfolk?

A temporary use ban (TUB), also known as a hosepipe ban, has been introduced for all customers across East Anglia. The restrictions will be enforced from 1.01am on Saturday 11 July 2026

Weeks of hot, dry weather and record water use mean we’re using more water than ever before. These restrictions will help make sure there’s enough water for homes, businesses and essential services, while protecting our local rivers and the environment.

What does this mean for recreational cricket?

The Norfolk Cricket Foundation request all cricket clubs follow the guidance that has been set by Anglian Water during the duration of the hosepipe ban.

Details on the ban are here: Hosepipe restrictions

Anyone can find out their supplier on the Water UK website here: Find Your Supplier | Water UK

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 ECB have provided FOUR things you can do to help conserve water and ensure safe pitches:

1. When preparing pitches, make sure you’re applying water only where it is needed (and not wasting, where it is not). Use hand watering techniques and don’t over apply water so it runs off where it isn’t needed. The Grounds Management Association has a toolkit for cricket ground managers which provides advice on watering in hot dry weather. Effective and Efficient Watering in Hot, Dry Weather | Grounds Management Toolkit
2. When applying water to pitches – limit losses from evaporation by irrigating in the evening when it is cooler and water can infiltrate into the ground overnight (watering during the hottest part of the day can see as much as half the water you apply lost to evaporation and through the grass plant).
3. If you have access to covers, you can use these to reduce these losses too by trapping water in the ground after irrigating.
4. In the clubhouse, fix leaks, turn off taps when not in use and keep shower times to a minimum.