Thames Water has asked millions of customers to stop using hosepipes and sprinklers as the UK braces for another sweltering weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 29°C in London. The company reported a surge in water demand of up to 50 percent due to outdoor activities such as watering gardens and filling paddling pools.
In a statement, Thames Water said: "This kind of weather leads to rapid spikes in water use, particularly for outdoor activities like watering gardens, filling paddling pools and using hoses and sprinklers." The firm urged residents to avoid watering gardens during the day, reuse water where possible, and delay car washing or use a bucket instead of a hose.
The company is also addressing hundreds of leaks, as hot, dry ground causes underground pipes to shift and crack. Thames Water added: "We're working hard in these extreme weather conditions to keep your water flowing. Our teams are fixing hundreds of leaks every week, monitoring the network 24/7 and moving water around the system to maintain supplies."
The Met Office forecast indicates that while rain is expected in the northwest, the southeast, including London, will remain largely dry over the weekend. Temperatures are expected to stay above average in the southeast, with highs of 29°C predicted for London on Friday afternoon.
