Dear Mr McLean,
Currently we do not have a date for when a drought order may be introduced across the region.
The categories of use that may be prohibited under a Drought Order are:
1. Watering outdoor plants on commercial premises;
2. Filling or maintaining a non-domestic swimming or paddling pool;
3. Filling or maintaining a pond;
4. Operating a mechanical vehicle-washer;
5. Cleaning any vehicle, boat, aircraft or railway rolling stock;
6. Cleaning non-domestic premises;
7. Cleaning a window of a non-domestic building;
8. Cleaning industrial plant;
9. Suppressing dust; and
10. Operating cisterns.
As you correctly say, health and safety will still mean that certain areas will be able to be cleaned, if for example they pose a trip or slip hazard.
At present we cannot comment on what the restrictions under a drought order may look like or the extent to which they may affect your business. The severity of any restrictions that are introduced as part of a drought order will depend on the weather situation from now onwards.
We will of course ensure that all of our customers are kept informed of any changes to restrictions at the earliest possible opportunity.
Response from Thames today - it did take them two weeks to reply!!
Rob
