Thames Water has introduced a sweeping hosepipe ban amid England’s warmest June on record. Around 1.1 million customers are set to be affected by the move which will come into effect from July 22.
Households who come under the ban are being asked not to use hosepipes, including for cleaning cars, watering plants, filling pools or cleaning windows. The hosepipe ban comes after certain areas served by Thames Water were put into the prolonged dry weather category by The Environment Agency.
London has avoided the ban but those living in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Swindon, most of Wiltshire and parts of Berkshire, will be asked to stop using their hosepipes from July 22. Thames Water has said the move will help to protect the environment and to ensure that there is enough water to go around this Summer.
In an announcement on its website, Thames Water said: “This year, the UK experienced one of its warmest and driest springs in over a century. June was also England’s warmest on record. The Environment Agency has put our area into the prolonged dry weather category.
“That’s why we need to bring in a hosepipe ban. It will help protect the environment and make sure there’s enough water to go around this summer.”
Which areas are included in the ban?
Thames Water has introduced the ban for households in the OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8 and RG9 postcodes. It will be in place later this month from July 22.
Bans are already in place in several parts of the country. Yorkshire Water has implemented one which will affect households in York, Leeds, Hull, Doncaster and Sheffield.
South East Water has one in place from July 18, which will affect homes and businesses in Ashford, Canterbury, Eastbourne, Maidstone, Haywards Heath and Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Why has the ban been introduced?
Thames Water is supplied by Farmoor Reservoir which is fed by pumping water from the River Thames. The amount of water which can be pumped is dependent on the amount of flow in the river.
The recent dry and warm weather means that the flow of the river is low which affects the amount of water which can be pumped into Farmoor Reservoir. A low level of groundwater contribution to the River Thames, as well as no rainfall, means that things could become challenging if the dry weather continues.
How long will the ban be in place?
Thames Water has said the length of the ban will depend on the weather. Prolonged and significant rainfall, as well as customers’ wise use of water is “vital”.
The water company has said it will be keeping a close eye on its water levels and let people know when the ban can be lifted.
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