As the summer heat continues and the Affinity Water hosepipe ban takes effect across Ruislip, residents are making daily sacrifices to protect our local water supply. From letting our lawns turn brown to watering our gardens and allotments by hand, our community is stepping up.
We are very pleased to report that Hillingdon Council is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with residents in this effort, taking proactive and responsible action at Ruislip Lido.
Putting Conservation First
Cllr Wayne Bridges confirmed that the Council has made the environmentally conscious decision to switch off the splash pads at both Ruislip Lido and Fassnidge Park for the duration of the current water shortage.
Because the Lido’s splash pad draws continuously from the mains and does not operate on a water-recycling system, keeping it running would have placed an unjustifiable strain on local resources.
Under the strict terms of Affinity Water’s Temporary Use Ban, public splash parks technically fall into a grey area. As Affinity Water explains in their official guidance:
“If the Splash Park is part of a business or for general public use, then a hosepipe can be used. We recognise these features can be valued by local communities, but they are considered a non-essential use of water during periods of water stress. Where possible, please look for alternative ways to maintain them while reducing water use.”
A Welcome Display of Leadership
Rather than using this “general public use” exemption to keep the water flowing, Cllr Bridges and the Council have chosen to lead by example.
Cllr Bridges set out a clear and highly commendable position:
“Whilst these facilities may fall within the exemptions provided by the water companies, we recognise the importance of reducing non-essential water consumption during this period and believe it is appropriate for the Council to play its part in supporting those efforts.”
Other Councils have taken similar decisions
Hillingdon is not alone in making this tough but necessary call. Newham Council in East London recently made the exact same decision under Thames Water’s parallel restrictions, turning off the water play areas in Central, Plashet, and Plaistow Parks to protect regional supplies.
Meanwhile, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) took a highly targeted approach: they closed the non-recycling splash pad at Cremorne Gardens, keeping only their Kensington Memorial Park site open specifically because it operates on a water-recycling system.
Ruislip Residents’ Association supports Hillingdon’s decision to turn off the water
We fully support this decision for several key reasons:
- Fairness: It ensures that the Council is playing by the same rules and making the same sacrifices being asked of local residents.
- Environmental Responsibility: It preserves thousands of litres of drinking-quality water during a period of severe regional drought.
- Clarity: It sends a clear, unified message across the borough that water conservation must be our top priority.
the “Closed for Repairs” Sign
If you have visited the Lido over the past few days, you may have noticed a handwritten sign cabled-tied to the splash pad stating that it is “closed for repairs.”
We are pleased to clarify that the facility is not actually turned off because it is broken!
Given Cllr Bridges’ confirmation that the closure is a deliberate, proactive measure to save water, we have reached back out to the Council to encourage them to update the signage at the site. A “repairs” notice risks giving families false hope of a quick fix, and inadvertently makes the Council look like they are struggling with a slow maintenance issue.
More importantly, being transparent about the real reason behind the closure is a perfect opportunity for the Council to proudly own this decision. Updating the sign to reflect the hosepipe ban will show visitors that the Council is actively leading from the front and standing alongside residents in doing their bit for the environment.
While we know the splash pad is a popular feature for families, turning it off is undeniably the right thing to do. We applaud Cllr Bridges for taking a bold, responsible stance and putting the long-term sustainability of our water supply ahead of short-term convenience.
The splash pads will remain closed and under review until Affinity Water hosepipe ban ends and the supply pressures ease.
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