A growing number of Britons, particularly in London and the South East, are now subject to hosepipe bans as the long summer of dry weather continues to impact public water supplies. Seven water companies across England have either put in place or announced upcoming restrictions, affecting millions of customers, including those served by major providers like Thames Water and Affinity Water. This widespread action comes in response to a significant surge in demand for water, which has reportedly increased by up to 30% on the hottest days experienced this July, placing considerable strain on treatment works and storage facilities.
The temporary usage bans primarily prohibit the use of hosepipes for a range of non-essential activities. This includes watering gardens, washing cars, maintaining allotments, filling paddling pools or swimming pools, and cleaning windows. The restrictions also extend to sprinkler systems. However, certain exemptions are in place. These typically cover situations related to health and safety, animal welfare (including pets, livestock, and fish), and the watering of food crops or newly planted trees. Customers with severe mobility issues, disabilities, medical conditions, or those holding a Blue Badge may also be exempt, as are wastewater-only customers.
For gardeners navigating these restrictions, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises practical measures such as utilising stored rainwater or 'grey water' where possible. They also recommend watering deeply but less frequently, focusing on the base of plants rather than superficial, frequent applications. Guy Barter, chief horticulturalist at the RHS, emphasised the importance of adapting water management practices as the climate changes. He suggested that planting drought-tolerant species, improving soil health, and increasing tree cover can help make gardens more resilient to future dry spells. Kew Gardens, though exempt, confirmed its horticulturists already employ various water-saving techniques.
Businesses, public sector organisations, and charities generally retain the ability to use hosepipes when directly required for their commercial operations. This includes professional cleaning services and car washing businesses. However, the use of hoses and sprinklers in public parks, gardens, and other green spaces is typically restricted, although exemptions may apply for health and safety reasons or for National Plant Collections. Water companies have not set a specific end date for these bans, stating they will remain in effect until water resources sufficiently recover and demand stabilises at sustainable levels. They urge customers to be mindful of their water usage and have indicated they will contact those who repeatedly disregard the rules, with further action possible for persistent non-compliance.
The issue of water conservation has also brought the efficiency of water infrastructure into focus. Environmental groups, such as Greenpeace UK, highlight that water firms in England and Wales are reportedly losing significantly more water through leaky pipes than could be saved by a nationwide hosepipe ban. Both Affinity Water and Thames Water have acknowledged this concern, stating they continue to invest in finding and fixing leaks. Thames Water, for instance, reported a 15.1% reduction in leaks compared to their 2019/20 baseline, with teams working continuously to maintain water supply and address infrastructure issues.