- Thames Water has imposed a hosepipe ban due to prolonged dry weather, affecting millions of customers.
- Under the new rule, Thames Water can fine customers £1,000 for certain garden chores, effective from July 23.
- Thames Water's director Nevil Muncaster stated the step is necessary to protect water supplies and the environment.
- Muncaster added that teams are working around the clock to fix leaks and support customers.
Thames Water has implemented a hosepipe ban affecting 10 million customers in London and the Thames Valley, as the UK faces prolonged dry weather. The ban, effective from July 23, prohibits activities such as watering gardens and washing cars using hosepipes, with fines reaching £1,000 for violations.12
The decision comes after three heatwaves and the driest spring on record for England and Wales, leading to increased pressure on water resources. Nevil Muncaster, director of strategic water resources at Thames Water, stated, “We would not be taking this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment.” He emphasized the need to reduce non-essential outdoor water use to ensure that taps continue to flow.3
The ban applies to all customers supplied with drinking water, excluding waste-only customers. Thames Water noted that while they plan for dry weather and increased summer demand, the current situation is having a “significant impact” on water resources. The utility is actively working to manage water flow, fix leaks, and support customers during this challenging period.
As the hot weather persists, the demand for water is expected to rise as people seek to stay cool and maintain their gardens, further straining the already limited resources.
“Thames Water director Nevil Muncaster said the step is necessary to protect water supplies and the environment, with teams working around the clock to fix leaks. The new fine rule, under sections 76 and 76A–C of the Water Industry Act 1991, applies to 10 million customers effective July 23.”
Oxford Mail
