From Wednesday 24 August, we’re bringing in a hosepipe ban (also known as a Temporary Use Ban) for all customers we supply water to, even if we don't bill you directly. This applies to everyone in the areas shown on the map below. If you’re not sure if we’re your supplier, you can check using Water UK’s online tool.
Although the ban officially starts on 24 August, the sooner we can all save more water, whether using a hosepipe or not, the better for everyone.
Why is this happening?
After the driest July on record, and below average rainfall in 10 of the last 12 months, water levels in our rivers and reservoirs are much lower than usual. We have more teams reducing leakage than ever before, working 24/7 to find and fix more than 1,100 leaks every week. The recent heatwaves mean that demand for water is also at record levels.
We’ve been working around the clock to supply everyone, and customers have been brilliant at saving water where they can. But, with low rainfall forecast for the coming months, we now need to take the next step in our drought plan. Everything we do now will help protect supplies next summer and help the environment.
We know these restrictions impact your day-to-day activities around your home and beyond, and we're grateful for your support.
Legal information
The ban applies to everyone we supply water to. Here’s the full legal notice of the restrictions and exceptions:
What does this mean for me?
We’ve put together a short summary of what this means around the home to help keep things simple - but please check the legal notice for more information.
Please don’t use your hose for:
Watering your garden, allotment or plants
Filling or maintaining your paddling pool, swimming pool or hot tub
Cleaning your vehicles
Cleaning windows, walls, paths, patios and other artificial outdoor surfaces like artificial grass
Recreational use like water fights and water slides
The ban applies to hosepipes, and anything attached to them, like sprinklers and jet washers.
You can use mains water from a watering can or bucket instead of a hose – but please make every drop count and help protect the environment and our precious supplies by only using water where you really need to.
Mobility issues?
We know some people have restricted mobility which will make using a watering can or bucket instead tricky.
If you’re a Blue Badge holder or are on our Priority Services Register with a mobility issue, you can still use a hose for:
Watering your garden/allotment and plants
Cleaning your vehicles
Cleaning windows, walls, paths, patios or other artificial outdoor surfaces like artificial grass
Filling or maintaining a domestic pond
Please still help us by using water wisely and making every drop count.
Some bus services will also be affected as drivers take part in a strike called by the Unite union.
Retrieved from: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-restrictions (20 Aug, 2022)
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