Thames Water Imposes Hosepipe Ban on 10 Million After Three Heatwaves

Thames Water, which supplies water to around 16 million people across London and the Thames Valley, announced a hosepipe ban affecting approximately 10 million customers on Tuesday, citing three successive summer heatwaves that have drastically reduced water levels in reservoirs across the southeast.

The ban, which is expected to come into force within days following a required notice period, prohibits customers from using hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, fill paddling pools, or clean outdoor areas. Violations can result in fines of up to £1,000.

Unprecedented Summer Heat

The UK has experienced an unusually prolonged period of high temperatures this summer, with three distinct heatwave episodes pushing thermometers above 35°C on several occasions. The combination of low rainfall and high evaporation rates has placed enormous pressure on water infrastructure across southern England.

Thames Water's reservoirs are currently well below their seasonal average. The company warned that without significant rainfall in the coming weeks, the situation could worsen further and additional restrictions may need to be considered.

Drought Conditions Spreading

The hosepipe ban comes alongside growing warnings of drought conditions. The Environment Agency has placed eight areas across England in prolonged dry weather status — the formal stage immediately before an official drought designation. Other water companies in the southeast are expected to follow with similar measures.

We've had three heatwaves this summer and our reservoirs are taking the strain. We need customers to help us by using water wisely — every drop really does count.

A hosepipe ban of this scale is one of the most visible signs of the growing pressure that climate change is placing on the UK's water supply systems, which were designed for a cooler, wetter climate. Last summer saw record-high temperatures across the UK, and 2026 is on track to be equally extreme.

Advice for Customers

Thames Water has advised customers to use watering cans instead of hosepipes, collect rainwater for garden use, fix any dripping taps, and take shorter showers. The company stressed that the ban does not affect toilet flushing, cooking, drinking, or washing — only non-essential outdoor water use.