Millions of people in London and the south east of England are now under a hosepipe ban. Thames Water announced the ban today, saying it comes after weeks of hot, dry weather and multiple heatwaves.
The restriction, a prohibition on the use of water for lawns and gardens, will begin from 00.01am on Thursday. When it will end is unclear.
Reasons for the ban
The water supplier said: ‘We’ve been working around the clock to maintain water supplies, but we now need everyone’s help to reduce non-essential water use.’ Thames Water also blamed increasing demand for why the restriction, also called a temporary use ban, is needed. Use is 10% above normal in the Thames Valley and the Home Counties, as well as 7% above normal in London.
London, meanwhile, is experiencing its longest dry spell since 2018. Other than the odd shower on July 5, the capital hasn’t seen it properly bucket it down in 23 days.
What does a hosepipe ban mean?
People can no longer use hosepipes, sprinklers and pressure washers for non-essential activities. By this, Thames Water means watering lawns or gardens, cleaning cars, filling paddling pools or topping up hot tubs. You can still fill up a watering can or bucket from the tap, or a water butt. There are a few people exempt from the ban, like window cleaners. A full list will be published Thursday. Failing to comply with the ban could result in a £1,000 fine.
Some parts of London are in a drought, which is defined as where demand far outstrips how much it’s rained, according to the UK Drought Map.
Official statement
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.’
