Understand
Thames Water hosepipe ban to continue through autumn due to ongoing drought
Overview
Thames Water has announced that its hosepipe ban, affecting over 10 million customers across London and the Thames Valley, will remain in place throughout the autumn. Despite recent cooler weather, reservoirs remain well below normal levels following a record-breaking summer and exceptionally dry conditions. The company urges customers to continue conserving water until substantial rainfall replenishes depleted supplies.
Key points
- The hosepipe ban affecting more than 10 million Thames Water customers will continue through the autumn.
- The ban was initially introduced on 23 July following a record-breaking summer and subsequent drought.
- September rainfall was half the long-term average, and October received only 1% of average monthly rainfall by 6 October.
- Reservoir levels remain low, with Farmoor Reservoir at 68% and London's storage at 54% as of 6 October.
- The temporary use ban prohibits using hosepipes and pressure washers for activities like watering gardens and cleaning cars, though some exemptions apply.