Affinity Water Announces Hosepipe Ban for Southeast England
Affinity Water will introduce a hosepipe ban from July 17, affecting more than three million customers across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and parts of London. The restriction, announced on Friday, comes as the UK experiences its third heatwave in three months, putting water supplies under severe pressure.
Stephen Plumb, asset strategy and capital delivery director at Affinity Water, said: "We don't take a decision like this lightly, but with demand for water use at unprecedented levels, we need to act now to protect supplies, for our customers, especially those who are most vulnerable, for the communities we serve, and for the environment."
What the Ban Entails
Under the ban, customers must not use a hosepipe for watering gardens, washing cars, patios, paths and driveways, cleaning windows, or filling swimming and paddling pools. Plumb added: "We know a hosepipe ban is disruptive, and we apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. We would like to thank customers for their support so far this summer and for working with us to help protect our water supply. Every bit of water saved makes a difference."
Record-Breaking Heat and Widespread Restrictions
On Thursday, the UK recorded its eighth day at or above 34°C in a calendar year, breaking the previous high of seven days set in 1976 and 2020. This follows a record warm spring for England and Wales, intensifying strain on water supplies.
Other water companies have also announced bans: Southern Water's ban for about one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight came into force on Friday; Anglian Water announced a ban for over five million customers in the East of England, effective from 1am on Saturday; Cambridge Water imposed a temporary ban for 350,000 customers from July 17—its first in three decades; and South East Water introduced a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent including Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.
Government and Industry Response
Water minister Emma Hardy met with utility bosses last week to discuss preparedness for a hot summer, after officials warned of drought risk in parts of the country. Authorities are closely monitoring East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The UK's water system faces growing pressure from climate change disrupting rainfall patterns, population increases, and years of underinvestment—including no new reservoirs built in 30 years and leaking pipes.
Voluntary Measures and Other Impacts
Thames Water has asked customers to limit hosepipe use without a formal ban, while Severn Trent, Essex and Suffolk Water, Wessex Water and Portsmouth Water urge customers to use water wisely amid the heatwave.
Separately, the Metropolitan Police urged people to avoid calling 999 for non-emergencies amid a surge in calls. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes told LBC Radio: "We're going to see more calls. We're going to see more drinking. I hope we're going to see more great goals for England, and we're going to see success." He added: "Call us on the things we need to. Please hold back on the calls we don't need to take. Officers out there are melting in the heat but they will be there to come to you if you need us."
The RAC also warned drivers to check coolant, oil, and tyre pressure, as vehicles face extra strain in the heat.
