"What does this mean for recreational cricket?Berkshire Cricket requests that all cricket clubs follow the guidance issued by Thames Water for the duration of the hosepipe ban.The key consideration for cricket clubs is the watering of the active playing surface of the cricket square. Thames Water’s guidance confirms that sports pitches can be watered on the area actively used for play.This exemption does not allow clubs to water the entire cricket ground or outfield. Clubs should only use water where it is genuinely necessary for health and safety and should take all reasonable steps to minimise water use.Square WateringOn 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 WateringThis does not have an exemption and therefore watering the outfield is strictly prohibited during the time that the hosepipe ban is in place.Private BoreholeWater 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 PracticeTo help cricket clubs conserve water and maintain safe playing surfaces, clubs should consider the following:1. Water only where neededWhen preparing pitches, apply water only to the areas where it is necessary. Avoid over-application, runoff and unnecessary water loss. Where appropriate, use targeted or hand-watering techniques.2. Water at cooler timesWhere watering is permitted, consider irrigating in the evening or at cooler times of the day to reduce evaporation and allow water to infiltrate the ground overnight.3. Use covers where availableIf covers are available, clubs can use them to help retain moisture in the ground following permitted irrigation and reduce water losses through evaporation.4. Conserve water in the clubhouseClubs should also help reduce water consumption by:Fixing leaks promptly.Turning off taps when they are not in use.Avoiding unnecessary water use.Keeping shower times to a minimum.Encouraging members and visitors to use water responsibly.In summaryThe Thames Water Temporary Use Ban comes into effect from 00.01 BST on Thursday 23 July 2026 and does not mean that recreational cricket has to stop.Where necessary for health and safety, cricket pitches can be watered on the area actively used for play. However, clubs should not interpret this as a general exemption to water the entire cricket square or outfield. Water should be used sparingly, responsibly and only where genuinely necessary.Berkshire Cricket asks all clubs to conserve water wherever possible and to check the latest Thames Water guidance before undertaking any watering during the Temporary Use Ban."Since you can't be bothered/won't look it up. It isn't just about sticking to what you can and can't do under as per the Temporary Hosepipe Ban but what you should and could also be doing in making an effort to use less water and make the most of the water that you do use - ie CONSERVE WATER!And if you look at your posts you actually said that "Sports facilities are exempt for health and safety reasons." It is rather too easy to claim entitlement to not having to comply without making an effort to find a way to reduce use and still keep planting alive. Changes have been made and probably will be made to more abstraction licences.
Philippa Bond ● 19d