Seven water companies have imposed hosepipe bans affecting millions of people across London and large parts of England and Wales, with warnings that restrictions could be extended further this summer. A new map reveals all areas of London currently under restrictions and the corners of the capital where households can still use hosepipes and sprinklers to water their gardens.
Water companies and affected areas
Thames Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, and South West Water have announced Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) across all or part of their regions. Areas under a ban include most of London, East Anglia, the West Midlands, Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Wessex, the Solent, and the South Downs. However, some households may be supplied by a different local provider where restrictions do not apply, such as Sutton and East Surrey Water (SES Water), which has not imposed a ban.
What the ban means
Under a hosepipe ban, the use of hosepipes is restricted, but watering cans and buckets can still be used. A hosepipe can use 1,000 litres an hour, more than a family of four uses in a day, according to water companies. People with disabilities or health conditions living in affected areas can contact their water company about exemptions.
Drought conditions and warnings
The National Drought Group (NDG) has warned that more parts of southern, central, and eastern England are at risk of bans due to weeks without rain. Helen Wakeham, Chair of the NDG and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, said: “Dry weather depletes our water, while the hot conditions mean we use more of it. This is a difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use.” She added: “All sectors are taking action, and we are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to make sure there is enough water for everyone this summer.”
Weather outlook
The prolonged absence of rainfall looks set to continue, with high pressure expected to dominate for at least the next five days. Only coastal areas, southeast England, and possibly northern Scotland may see some rain. Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Much of England has experienced a notably warm and dry first half of summer, with July particularly dry and some locations recording little or no rainfall so far this month. The UK has already seen three heatwaves in 2026 and, while some rain is possible at times, the overall outlook remains for largely settled conditions.”
Public support for bans
David Henderson, Water UK Chief Executive, said: “The last thing water companies want to do is restrict the amount of water people can use, but demand is at unprecedented levels following the warmest spring and June on record.” Recent research found most people support a ban if there is a compelling reason.
