Beat the ban! Hosepipe bans are inevitable after an exceptionally dry 2012 – so why not invest in a water butt?

Drizzly February may seem an odd time to think about water conservation, but in some parts of southern and eastern England, last year was the driest 12-month period ever recorded.

If there isn’t significant rainfall this spring, hosepipe bans are likely in several areas.

If you live in an area of low rainfall it’s an excellent idea to install a water butt, as rainwater is not subject to a ban. Even if you live in a wetter area, a butt is an environmentally friendly option.

For a range of unusual water butts visit

For a range of unusual water butts visit

It’s been estimated if every household in the UK installed one, we would use 30,000 million litres less tap water in summer. What’s more, if there are torrential downpours, water butts help prevent flooding by diverting water from the storm management system.

The water that comes out of our taps is high-quality stuff because it has to be drinkable, and purifying water is an expensive business, so it makes sense to water your garden with rainwater if you can.

Ironically, many plants actually prefer rainwater because it is free of chemicals such as chlorine; this is particularly true of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas.

A water butt can be attached to any house, shed or garage that has a gutter and a downpipe. The most popular ones are shaped like barrels, but if you’re short of space there are many slimline versions available.

Get one with a tap fitting, so you can fill your watering can or attach a hose to it; you may need a stand so the butt sits at the right height for filling a can. The simplest way to fit a water butt is to make a cut into a plastic downpipe, using a hacksaw, and place the butt directly underneath it.

You’ll need to attach an overflow pipe to channel away excess water to a drain. If you have space you can connect several butts to one another, so when one is full the excess is collected in the next. Do place a cover over the butt to stop children and animals falling in.

All DIY stores sell water butts from about £20. Some are quite stylish; you can get ones clad in wood, terracotta or even galvanised steel, making them an attractive feature in the garden.

For a range of unusual water butts visit