Thames Water has urged Londoners to refrain from using hosepipes as the capital endures another heatwave, with temperatures soaring towards 34°C. The company, which supplies 16 million customers across London, the Thames Valley, and other areas, said it is struggling to keep up with demand during the hot spell.
The last significant rainfall in London occurred nine days ago, on June 27, when thunderstorms hit the city. The next precipitation, forecast as only drizzle, is not expected until Saturday, July 18. This means the capital could go 20 days or longer without proper rain, leaving gardens parched and reservoirs under strain.
Water Use Outpacing Supply
Andrew Tucker, Thames Water's water demand reduction manager, said: “All our water is drinking-quality and comes from local sources, so small changes, such as using a watering can, reusing water and delaying non-essential outdoor jobs, can reduce what we need to take from the environment. We are asking customers to avoid using hosepipes and sprinklers on lawns and gardens so that supplies can be maintained for everyone during periods of exceptionally high demand.”
The company stressed that at times, water is being used “faster than we can deliver it through our network.” During the record-breaking heatwave in June, water use soared to three billion litres a day, according to Thames Water. This spring was also drier than usual, with April receiving only 20% of expected rainfall in the region.
No Hosepipe Ban Yet, But Strong Appeal
Despite the pressure, Thames Water stopped short of imposing a hosepipe ban, unlike South East Water, which has introduced a Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe restrictions) for customers in Kent due to sustained high temperatures and near-record demand. Thames Water instead appealed to customers to avoid using hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning cars, or other non-essential purposes. They also urged residents to avoid filling or topping up paddling pools unless necessary and to delay washing vehicles.
Customers were advised to turn off taps when not in use and to “only use the water you need and avoid unnecessary waste where you can,” the company said.
Health Alerts and Forecast
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for London, the South East, the South West, and the Midlands until 8pm on July 11. The agency warned that minor impacts are likely across health and social care services due to high temperatures, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life for the same group.
The Met Office forecasts that temperatures in London could reach 34°C on Monday and Thursday this week, staying above 30°C until at least Sunday. The dry conditions are expected to persist, with no significant rain in sight.
