Are businesses allowed use power washers during the hosepipe ban?

ifElseThen

Saw a garage on the Long Mile Road washing their cars for sale this morning...

Irish Water: Niamh

Hi ifElseThen,

Thank you for asking this.

Yes, businesses are allowed to use power washers during the Hosepipe Ban.

The Hosepipe Ban only applies to domestic users. The ban does not apply to Commercial customers as their business may have a dependency on water for their livelihood.

Irish Water are engaging with commercial entities and encouraging them to avoid all non-essential use of water during this drought period.

If you have any further queries, we will be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Niamh

ifElseThen

Pretty shocking. Power Washing already clean cars is not a dependency for this car dealership. This business was washing already pristine cars.

Irish Water: Niamh

Hi ifElseThen,

We understand your position however, as many businesses rely on water to operate, imposing a ban and restrictions on them could impact their operation and potentially affect livelihoods as a result. Therefore, commercial use is exempt from this ban other than for certain uses such as filling fountains, swimming pools and artificial ponds.

As the business in question is a car dealership, they would require their cars to be spotless so as to attract potential buyers. We are urging businesses to conserve and reduce usage where possible however, in this instance, this business is not breaching the hosepipe ban.

If you feel that this business is wasting water, it is your prerogative to ask the business itself what measures they have taken to reduce usage. Or if they might consider using a sponge and bucket instead of a hose to wash cars.

Most businesses are aware of the effects the drought conditions are having on our water supply and have been more than happy to reduce water consumption to help reservoirs recover and we advise all those who are not conserving water to start taking steps to do so. Tips on how businesses can conserve can be found at the following link: https://www.water.ie/for-business/water-conservation/.

Kind regards,
Niamh

justdusty

I have a Cleaning business, which provides a powerwashing service, can I powerwash a private dwelling during a hose pipe ban, because we are a business carrying out works that is not a commercial premise

Victor

ifElseThen wrote: »

Saw a garage on the Long Mile Road washing their cars for sale this morning...

Car washes tend to use recycled water.

justdusty wrote:

I have a Cleaning business, which provides a powerwashing service, can I powerwash a private dwelling during a hose pipe ban, because we are a business carrying out works that is not a commercial premise

What are you using as a water supply?

gozunda

Irish Water: Niamh wrote: »

Hi ifElseThen,

We understand your position however, as many businesses rely on water to operate, imposing a ban and restrictions on them could impact their operation and potentially affect livelihoods as a result. Therefore, commercial use is exempt from this ban other than for certain uses such as filling fountains, swimming pools and artificial ponds.

As the business in question is a car dealership, they would require their cars to be spotless so as to attract potential buyers. We are urging businesses to conserve and reduce usage where possible however, in this instance, this business is not breaching the hosepipe ban.

If you feel that this business is wasting water, it is your prerogative to ask the business itself what measures they have taken to reduce usage. Or if they might consider using a sponge and bucket instead of a hose to wash cars.

Most businesses are aware of the effects the drought conditions are having on our water supply and have been more than happy to reduce water consumption to help reservoirs recover and we advise all those who are not conserving water to start taking steps to do so. Tips on how businesses can conserve can be found at the following link: https://www.water.ie/for-business/water-conservation/.

Kind regards,
Niamh

I understand that some business may need to use hosepipes etc. In relation to the the bit above which I bolded - what's the situation with the family style Water Parks?

They are a business and have a requirement for water. However there is one such park advertising non stop on the radio atm stating they are open seven days a week!

With shortages due to leaks etc and the need to prioritise water - is it best practise that this type of business be actively operating with no restrictions whatsover?

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime

gozunda wrote: »

I understand that some business may need to use hosepipes etc. In relation to the the bit above which I bolded - what's the situation with the family style Water Parks?

They are a business and have a requirement for water. However there is one such park advertising non stop on the radio atm stating they are open seven days a week!

With shortages due to leaks etc and the need to prioritise water - is it best practise that this type of business be actively operating with no restrictions whatsover?

The issue here would be you would have to close said business until the hosepipe ban is lifted and water levels return to normal

While this business is closed (as with car wash specific business etc) the company are not making money , yet still paying bills , rent etc

And also employes will be out of the job for a long period of time without pay (because the company isint making money either so good excuse not to pay staff for not working)

With things like this in mind, making businesses exempt from this ban is perfectly acceptable in my opinion.

gozunda

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

The issue here would be you would have to close said business until the hosepipe ban is lifted and water levels return to normal

While this business is closed (as with car wash specific business etc) the company are not making money , yet still paying bills , rent etc
And also employes will be out of the job for a long period of time without pay (because the company isint making money either so good excuse not to pay staff for not working)
With things like this in mind, making businesses exempt from this ban is perfectly acceptable in my opinion.

You work in IW? No closing mentioned. I referred to restrictions btw.
IW post above refered to swimming pools as being included in commercial restrictions. Water Parks are basically giant swimming pools. So asking how does that work. Capice?

Very strange that there are none evident from the advetising and at least one water park is advertising as open 7 days a week!

Kathnora

Can a  power washer be used for a small DIY project such as the washing of newly laid tiles in a patio area? It is the only method where by dried cement etc can be cleaned off the tiles before grouting is used.

Irish Water: Amy

Hi Kathnora,

Thanks for your query. We're asking all consumers to conserve water wherever possible.

Kind regards,
Amy