The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is encouraging members to stay informed about local water restrictions and drought measures as dry weather continues to place pressure on water supplies across parts of the UK.

A number of water suppliers have introduced Temporary Use Bans (TUBs), more commonly known as hosepipe bans, while others are asking customers to reduce water consumption and use supplies responsibly. As restrictions can vary by region and can change at short notice, grounds professionals are advised to check the latest guidance directly with their local water supplier.

Importantly, grounds managers should not assume that the maintenance of sports pitches is automatically exempt from restrictions.

The detail of any Temporary Use Ban can vary significantly between water suppliers and local circumstances. Any exemptions may depend on the type of sport, the nature of the facility, how water is being used, or even which areas of a site are being maintained.

For example, some restrictions may distinguish between recreational and commercial activities, while others may apply different rules to specific sports surfaces. Grounds teams should therefore seek clarification from their water supplier before carrying out irrigation or other water-intensive maintenance practices.

The GMA's advice for members is clear:

"If your area is under restrictions or a hosepipe ban, seek guidance from your water supplier on any potential exclusions for the preparation of sports pitches. Do not assume recreational sport is treated in the same way as commercial use, as restrictions can be nuanced and may be sport-specific or limited to certain areas of a field."

Alongside managing playing surfaces, the association is also reminding employers, staff and volunteers to prioritise wellbeing during prolonged periods of hot weather. Working in challenging conditions can take a physical toll, while the added pressure of maintaining turf quality during drought conditions can also affect mental wellbeing.

Grounds teams are encouraged to focus on the factors within their control, adapt maintenance plans where necessary and ensure colleagues have access to adequate rest, hydration, and support. The GMA also recommends proactive communication with committees, line managers, club officials and facility users to help stakeholders understand the impact of drought conditions on playing surfaces and maintenance programmes. Open and honest communication can help manage expectations, support informed decision-making, and reduce unnecessary pressure on grounds staff and volunteers when water availability and maintenance options are restricted.

Members looking for more information on Temporary Use Bans and how they operate can visit Water UK's hosepipe ban FAQs page.

To support grounds professionals through prolonged periods of hot, dry weather, the GMA also offers practical guidance through its free Grounds Management Toolkit. The resource includes advice on efficient watering practices, drought management and maintaining playing surfaces during challenging conditions.

The GMA encourages all members to review their water management plans, maximise water efficiency wherever possible, look after the wellbeing of their teams and remain compliant with any restrictions that apply in their local area. Find out more here:

• Cricket: https://toolkit.thegma.org.uk/cricket/watering-and-drought-management/effective-and-efficient-watering-in-hot-dry-weather/
• Rugby Union and Football: https://toolkit.thegma.org.uk/rugby-union/managing-extreme-weather/top-tips-for-dealing-with-drought/ 
• Rugby League: https://toolkit.thegma.org.uk/rugby-league/managing-extreme-weather/dealing-with-drought-and-heat/

The GMA encourages all members to review their water management plans, maximise water efficiency wherever possible and remain compliant with any restrictions that apply in their local area.