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Water: Shortages

Asked by Mr Joshua ReynoldsLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 25211

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department provides to water companies on granting exemptions from Temporary Use Bans for housing developments and construction sites.

Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

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.

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