Following a prolonged period of dry weather and record-breaking temperatures, several water companies across the UK have announced or implemented hosepipe bans, impacting millions of customers. These measures are a direct response to exceptionally high demand for water and dwindling supplies, with some regions experiencing their driest spring on record.
Who is affected and when?
As of July 2026, a number of water companies have introduced Temporary Use Bans (TUBs), with specific dates and regions:
- Anglian Water: A ban for over five million customers in the East of England became effective from 1 am on Saturday, July 11, 2026. This is one of the first TUBs in the region in decades.
- Affinity Water: A ban will come into force on July 17, 2026, affecting approximately 1.1 million households (over three million customers) across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London.
- Cambridge Water: Introduced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, effective from 1 am on July 17, 2026. This is the first time since the 1995 drought that Cambridge Water has implemented such a restriction.
- South East Water: Introduced a ban on July 3, 2026, for areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells.
- Southern Water: Hosepipe restrictions came into force on Friday, July 10, 2026, for about one million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
- Yorkshire Water: Declared a TUB effective from July 11, 2026, for the Yorkshire region, affecting approximately 5,000,000 customers.
Other companies, including Thames Water, Severn Trent, South Staffs Water, Wessex Water, and Portsmouth Water, are urging customers to use water wisely, though they have not yet introduced formal bans.
Why are these bans happening?
The bans are a critical response to the UK's third heatwave of 2026, coupled with record-breaking temperatures and prolonged dry weather. June 2026 was the hottest on record for England, with a peak temperature of 37.7°C recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26, 2026. The UK has experienced its eighth day at or above 34°C in 2026, surpassing previous records from 1976 and 2020. The East of England, for example, saw its second driest spring on record.
Dr Geoff Darch, Head of Strategic Asset Planning for Anglian Water, stated on July 10, 2026: "This year has been exceptionally hot and dry, and we're already into the third heatwave of the summer. Every day of sustained hot weather increases the challenge of balancing supply and demand, and we are now at the point where we need to ask customers to help by hanging up the hosepipe... to help protect the environment and ensure water remains available for all customers."
What you can and cannot do
While specific restrictions can vary slightly by water company, a hosepipe ban generally prohibits the use of a hosepipe for:
- Watering gardens or plants
- Filling paddling pools, swimming pools, or hot tubs
- Washing cars, boats, or other vehicles
- Cleaning patios, driveways, or other outdoor surfaces
- Filling ornamental ponds
You can typically still use watering cans, buckets, and other handheld containers to water plants or wash your car, provided the water is not from a hosepipe connected to the mains supply. Exemptions often apply for essential uses, such as for health and safety reasons or for businesses that rely on water for their operations, but you should check with your specific water provider.
What are the penalties for breaching a ban?
Breaching a hosepipe ban is a serious matter and can result in significant financial penalties. If caught using a hosepipe during a ban, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
What this means for you
If you live in an area affected by a hosepipe ban, you must immediately stop using your hosepipe for non-essential activities. Check your water company's website for the precise rules and any exemptions that might apply to your situation. Failing to comply could result in a substantial fine, which could be a significant burden for many households. Consider alternative methods for watering plants, such as using greywater from baths or washing-up, and let your lawn go brown – it will recover.
What happens next?
Water companies will continue to monitor water levels and demand closely. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow and amber heat-health alerts across England until Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, indicating the ongoing pressure from the heatwave. These bans are temporary, but their duration will depend on rainfall levels and a reduction in demand. Voluntary conservation appeals from companies like Thames Water and Severn Trent suggest that further bans could be implemented if conditions do not improve.
Where to get help and more information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific area and any exemptions, always consult your water company's official website:
- Anglian Water
- Affinity Water
- Cambridge Water
- South East Water
- Southern Water
- Yorkshire Water
- Thames Water
- Severn Trent
These sites will provide detailed guidance on what is permitted and what is prohibited during the ban.
Sources
- Anglian Water — Statement by Dr Geoff Darch, July 10, 2026, regarding hosepipe ban implementation and reasons.
- Affinity Water — Statement by Stephen Plumb, July 10, 2026, regarding hosepipe ban implementation and reasons.
- Cambridge Water — Statement by Elena Karpathakis, July 9, 2026, regarding hosepipe ban implementation and reasons.
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) — Spokesperson statement, July 10, 2026, on reliable water supply.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — Information on heat-health alerts affecting England until July 11, 2026.
- Various water company announcements (South East Water, Southern Water, Yorkshire Water) — Details on specific ban dates and affected regions.