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What to know about water butts now there’s a hosepipe ban, according to experts
Gardening pro Sarah Raven shares her insight and we select the ones to buy from Screwfix, B&Q and more
Owing to the fact we had the driest July on record, on Friday 12 August, a hosepipe and water sprinkler ban came into force across many areas of southeast England. As a result, if you’re left wondering how you’re going to look after your much-loved garden foliage, a water butt could be the answer.
Water butts are “enlarged water reservoirs which collect rainwater off the roofs of sheds, houses, and greenhouses”, explains gardener and owner of name-sake brand Sarah Raven and Josie Lewis, head gardener for said company.
This, in turn, makes them great for sustainable water supply. “With climate change, certainly, in the South, we have a water storage and supply issue so everyone needs to club together to be more aware of sensible water usage,” adds Raven and Lewis. As such, water butts are a great way to take advantage of the wet weather when we eventually get some much-needed rainfall.
When it comes to choosing the best one for you, Raven and Lewis said: “Big is best – use your own aesthetics but fit the biggest your space will fit.” Should you wish to really make use of the devices in light of the hosepipe ban, they noted the possibility of siphoning “our bath water – there are pumps and gadgets to do this out the window into a butt below”. A great solution if you’re concerned about how you’re going to keep your garden looking leafy green.
While we’ve not tested water butts yet, to help you find one for your garden, we’ve rounded up a number of different sizes and designs so you can keep your outdoor space looking great all year round.
Ward water butt: £52, Diy.com
- Capacity: 210l
- Dimensions: H97cm x W57cm
If you’re looking for something functional and affordable, this could be the answer. With a whopping 210l water capacity, this water butt is made from hardwearing plastic so it should be able to withstand the weather when it does eventually turn to torrential rain.
Essentials water butt: £44.99, Screwfix.com
- Capacity: 100l
- Dimensions: H31cm x W30cm
Searching for a slimline water butt? This model from ScrewFix looks like it’ll do the trick. It comes with a downpipe and pipe link to fill the water butt, as well as a tap.
Harcostar water butt: £65.99, Crocus.co.uk
- Capacity: 168l
- Dimensions: H79cm x D58cm
Thankfully, this comes with a pre-drilled hole so you can easily connect up to a rain trap diverter, so you’ll be on your way to collecting water in no time.
Garantia linus water tank: £300, Homebase.co.uk
- Capacity: 220l
- Dimensions: H120cm x W58cm x D58cm
If you’re looking for something more attractive than a plastic unit, Garantia’s water tank looks ideal. This one will harvest rainwater from your downpipes, but it will also collect it from the plant-cup top.
Ward beehive water butt: £59.99, Charlies.co.uk
- Capacity: 150l
- Dimensions: H77cm x W60cm x L60cm
For another more sightly water butt, this beehive design is a firm favourite of ours. Owing to the terracotta colour, we think it’ll blend in nicely in your garden and complement your plants and pots.
Wilko slim water butt: £21, Wilko.com
- Capacity: 100l
- Dimensions: H96cm x W32cm
Wilko’s garden range is not to be missed. This water butt is just £20, making it an affordable way to collect water and keep your greenery looking lush. You will also need to purchase this water butt diverter kit (£5.25, Wilko.com).
Elho green basics rainbarrel: £189.99, Waitrosegarden.com
- Capacity: 220l
- Dimensions: H106cm x W59cm
Calling all sustainable gardeners, this one is for you. It’s made from waste plastic in a factory that’s powered by wind turbines. With a capacity of 200l it’s certainly capacious, and it also features an integrated planter on top.
Concerned about the hosepipe ban? Read our review of the best watering cans