Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban affecting 16 million customers in London and the South East of England, effective from 00:01 on Thursday. The temporary use ban comes after weeks of hot, dry weather and multiple heatwaves, with demand for water running 10% above normal in the Thames Valley and Home Counties, and 7% above normal in London.
What the ban covers
The ban prohibits the use of hosepipes, sprinklers and pressure washers for non-essential activities such as watering lawns or gardens, cleaning cars, filling paddling pools or topping up hot tubs. Residents can still use watering cans, buckets or water butts. Window cleaners are among those exempt, with a full list of exemptions to be published on Thursday. Failure to comply could result in a £1,000 fine.
Drought conditions and dry spell
Parts of London are officially in drought, defined as where demand far outstrips rainfall, according to the UK Drought Map. The capital is experiencing its longest dry spell since 2018, with only a brief shower on July 5 in the past 23 days. Thames Water 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.'
Company 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.'
Duration and further information
It is unclear when the ban will end. Thames Water urged customers to continue conserving water and said it would provide updates on its website. The company also noted that demand is 10% above normal in the Thames Valley and Home Counties, and 7% above normal in London.
