A hosepipe ban has come into force for about 10 million homes and businesses in London and the South East. Restrictions issued by Thames Water, also known as a temporary use ban (Tub), came into effect at 00.01am on Thursday, and affects around 10 million customers in the capital and the South East.
The ban was announced in a statement on Thames Water’s website. It read: “A temporary hosepipe ban has been announced for customers who receive their water supply from Thames Water. “The hosepipe ban does not apply to customers who only receive wastewater services from Thames Water. However, your water supplier may have its own restrictions in place.” It said the measure “is not a step we take lightly”.
Reasons for the ban
Thames Water blamed the ban on a combination of “prolonged dry weather and heatwaves”, higher than normal demand for water and a lack of forecasted rain. Thames Water said use is currently 10% above normal in the Thames Valley and the Home Counties, as well as 7% above normal in London.
Officials say 23 million people across England are now under or facing restrictions. They coincide with ongoing hot temperatures that followed three unprecedented heatwaves in three months and the driest spring on record for England and Wales. This is causing pressure on water resources to intensify rapidly, with the hot weather pushing up demand as people consume more to stay cool, water gardens, sustain crops and protect infrastructure.
Drought status and reservoir levels
The Environment Agency said “prolonged dry weather” has been declared in East Anglia, the West Midlands, Devon, Cornwall, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire and London, Wessex, Thames, Solent and the South Downs. This means these eight areas are one stage away from official drought status.
Six reservoirs are also classed as having “notably low” levels, the regulator said, including Wimbleball in Somerset, Grafham in Cambridgeshire and Hanningfield in Essex. Only 13% of rivers are classed at normal levels for this time of year, with the Avon (Hampshire), Cam, Derwent (Yorkshire), Swale, Tone, Wye and Yare seeing exceptionally low levels.
Demand and weather outlook
Thames Water said demand is 10% above normal in the Thames Valley and the Home Counties, and 7% above normal in London, amounting to customers using an extra 100 million litres every day. More extreme weather could be on its way with a fourth heatwave forecast for London next week. It hasn’t rained in London since June 27. A change in weather conditions is expected to bring rain to the UK this weekend - but forecasts point to London missing out.
Nevil Muncaster, director of strategic water resources at Thames Water, said: “We would not be taking this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment. “While there is enough water for essential use, we need to reduce non-essential outdoor demand to keep taps flowing. “Many customers have already reduced their water use and that support has made a difference. Thank you to everyone who has already changed their daily habits.” Mr Muncaster added that Thames Water teams are working around the clock to keep water moving, fix leaks and support customers. “We will keep the situation under close review and lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so,” he added.
What can’t you do?
The restrictions apply to hosepipes, sprinklers and pressure washers for any non-essential activities. The following uses are prohibited:
- Watering a garden using a hosepipe
- Cleaning a private motor-vehicle (and trailers) using a hosepipe
- Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
- Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
- Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
- Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
- Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
- Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
- Cleaning walls or windows of domestic premises using a hosepipe
- Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
- Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe
What’s allowed?
You can still use watering cans, buckets, and water butts. There are exemptions for some customers, including for people with a certain health issues, and businesses. Thames Water has published a full list of exemptions here.
What happens if you break the rules?
Failing to stick to the hosepipe ban could result in a £1,000 fine.
