A hosepipe ban has come into force across Yorkshire today (Friday, 11 July).
It is now illegal to use a hosepipe to water your garden, wash your car or fill a paddling pool.
Those in breach of the restrictions could be fined up to £1,000.
Yorkshire Water has imposed the ban as the ongoing drought has seen its reservoir levels fall. They are now just over half full.
And our current heatwave will add further demands on the water supply.
Police are warning people not to call them if they see a neighbour using a hosepipe.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Our phone lines are for emergencies – not for reporting hosepipe ban breaches!
“From Friday 11th July there are hosepipe restrictions in place across Yorkshire.
“Any call made to the police about this could divert our call handlers away from dealing with real emergencies.
“So, if you have any questions about the restrictions, or any concerns about a potential breach, we would please ask that you follow the latest advice from Yorkshire Water, or your water provider.
“Let’s keep our colleagues free to take genuine calls from those really in need of help.”
Police said people should report breaches to Yorkshire Water.
Yorkshire Water says: “We hope that our customers would respect the restrictions, if not, we do have the ability to enforce it, and customers could be subject to a £1,000 personal fine which will be paid to the Treasury.
“Our colleagues are regularly out and about as part of their day-to-day work. If they spot people breaching the restrictions as they go about their day-to-day jobs, they may speak to them, or we may send them a letter reminding them of their obligations.
“If we are told repeatedly about someone breaking the restrictions, the first thing we do is remind them of their obligations. This is usually enough. However, if they continue to use a hosepipe, we may escalate our enforcement accordingly.”
You can find a complete Q&A about the hosepipe ban on the Yorkshire Water website here.