Thames Water has become the latest company to impose a hosepipe ban, affecting millions of homes in London. The restrictions come as the UK endures prolonged dry weather and record-low rainfall, with a fourth heatwave potentially on the way.
Which areas are affected?
The ban covers all customers supplied by Thames Water in Greater London and parts of the Thames Valley. It also applies to Affinity Water customers in parts of north-west London, where a ban was imposed earlier in July. Other companies with active bans include South East Water in Kent and Sussex, Southern Water in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Cambridge Water in Cambridgeshire, and Anglian Water across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Essex.
What are the restrictions?
From 00:01 on Thursday, customers must not use hosepipes for non-essential activities such as watering gardens, filling paddling pools, or washing cars. The ban does not apply to waste-only customers or those supplied by another water company. Hosepipes can still be used for the welfare of animals and pets. Breaching the ban could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Why is the ban necessary?
Thames Water cited prolonged dry weather, recent heatwaves, very low rainfall levels, higher than normal water demand, and forecasts for continued hot, dry weather. The Met Office reported that South-East England experienced its longest unbroken spell of no rainfall in over 30 years, with zero rainfall measured across the region for 17 consecutive days from July 2 to July 18. Temperatures reached 28°C for 12 consecutive days before dropping to around 24°C over the weekend. No rain is forecast for at least another week, raising concerns about drought and wildfire risks.
What have water companies said?
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.” He added that teams are working around the clock to fix leaks and support customers, and restrictions will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.
How to check if you are affected
An interactive map shows all current hosepipe bans across the UK. Residents can enter their postcode to see if their area is under restrictions. The bans are likely to remain in place until there is significant rainfall and reservoir levels recover.
