[sunshineband]

Couldn't they just fit a non return valve on the taps?

Simples - problem solved!

Apparently not.  they have already made the decision

If it is about run off then I don't think  non-return valves would make any difference to the level of risk.

Technically we are not allowed to use hoses to water with; our water comes direct from bore holes rather than mains, so is cost free. Using a hose to fill cans is allowed, and if there is no spray nozzle on the hose water goes exactly where it is needed 

We are nowhere near any habitation whatsoever.

[RJR_38]

We've never been able to use hosepipes and it hasn't caused us any problems. I am just greatful we have taps - I know some sites that have none!

[Laurentius]

We can only use hoses to fill our water butts and water tanks, but not to directly water our plots. Apparantly there is nothing to stop a plot holder from sinking a bore hole though.

[brianc]

Hi all.
I have one tap at the side of my plot and one tap at the bottom of my plot.
Lucky me , we have one tap to every two plots. I use a watering can for every thing except my potatoes which
i use a hose on, i can not be bothered to keep getting the hose out but some people do.
If you use a hose pipe it is surprising how much water it takes to penetrate any depth.
I also have a large trough at one of my taps which i keep filled up so i do not have to wait filling cans.
Am i lucky or not.

[Beekissed]

We never water a garden, but just use plenty of mulch material around the plants and let them form roots that mine deep for moisture and nutrients.  Once you start watering a garden it sort of keeps those root systems shallow and then you have to keep watering after that.   

Might be a good alternative folks who cannot carry water back and forth.   

[cadalot]

We have taps and dip tank however the council have informed us that they are having to check all the allotment set ups for legionella as it is a legal requirement and we may loose our dip tanks.

We are not allowed to permanently connect a hose to the tap we have however fitted a hoselok type connector using a short pipe and a non return end. Any hoses fixed directly to taps are cut off by the parks department.

2 or 3 way splitter are then used to attach based on how many people want to water. There are a number of hoses that all go up to the taps, and they are attached by the individual when they want to water.

We are not allowed to use un attended ends like sprinklers, although we have one guy who does.

I have a watering system set up along my allotment so I have hoses with guns every other set of beds so I don't have to drag a hose around so a main line down the path and four offsets with one hose and gun so I can go either side of the path. Hose cut for longest reach required due to shape of plot

I use pop bottles with end caps and holes made with mapping pins sunk into the beds so that I water mainly at depth and make the root go find the water. Planting using weed membrane with planting holes sorts out my spacing, lets rainwater in but also acts like a mulch to keep down evaporation.

For me watering when required needs about being effective and quick, I don't have all day to faff around.

I also have a blue water butt on the shed - two water butts on the greenhouse which can be connected to the system. Plus I have comfrey tea and nettle tea in water butts on draft for use with a watering can when feeding rather than watering.
   

[steved]

That seems a pretty harsh comment steve

Really? I can use  a hosepipe /sprinkler and choose not to . So you dont agree,  thats fine but it hardly makes it a harsh comment, merely my opinion and nothing more.

[dugless]

On a general note Why is it that things that have worked perfectly well for years suddenly have to regulated 
it seems endemic of these time.

[cadalot]

Steve the Harsh part was "I think all hoses and therefore sprinklers should be banned on allotments"

That removes choice

I have made my case and I have an extended hose system on my plot for ease of use - but I don't use sprinklers I water at depth, an I use a watering can for feeding my plants

[surbie100]

We're allowed hoses, and I wouldn't like to see them banned as a fair number of our members could carry cans. But there are some proper daft watering habits as a consequence, plus people hogging the taps for ages in summer.

I choose to water with cans - we have dip tanks so it's quick and then I have a better idea of how much water I am using. I have 4 water butts too, so sometimes I use the hose to fill those up.

[Beetroot Queen]

We have water butts x6 etc etc so its not laziness. Our plots are on a real slope so its hard work. I was merely saying its not meant to upset anyone. Seriously people it was just a comment, every one has an opinion mine is its a daft excuse and an even dafter idea. End of

[dugless]

I don't have the choice we do not have any water taps, If I run out of water in the butts I take it up with a caravan roll along water container .

[mumofstig]

We have water butts x6 etc etc so its not laziness. Our plots are on a real slope so its hard work. I was merely saying its not meant to upset anyone.

Don't worry BQ - your post really didn't upset anyone.
 
Someone else, who seemed to imply that using a hose was simply laziness, and always wasted water - pushed all the wrong buttons at the time.
Everything has calmed down now, though...............

[Growster...]

I still stand and stare at out IBCs, wondering if I can get a syphon going as we're on a slope...

Sometimes it seems to be a good idea, sometimes not!

[mumofstig]

Go on - you know you wanna 

It's a challenge - can you resist?