The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of 2026, leading to widespread hosepipe bans across the country. Water companies are implementing these restrictions to conserve water as demand surges and drought risks increase.
What's Changed and Who is Affected?
As of July 11, 2026, several major water companies have either introduced or announced temporary use bans, impacting millions of customers. These restrictions typically prohibit the use of hosepipes for tasks such as watering gardens, cleaning cars, filling pools, and washing patios.
- South East Water: A Temporary Use Ban (TUB) has been in force since July 3, 2026, for approximately 850,000 customers in areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, and Tunbridge Wells.
- Southern Water: A hosepipe ban has been in force since July 10, 2026, affecting about one million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
- Anglian Water: A hosepipe ban for its more than five million customers in the East of England became effective from 1 am on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
- Cambridge Water: A temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers became effective immediately on July 10, 2026, with enforcement actions starting July 17, 2026. This marks the company's first such restriction in three decades.
- Affinity Water: Will introduce a hosepipe ban on July 17, 2026, impacting approximately 1.1 million households across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London.
- Yorkshire Water: A Temporary Use Ban was declared, effective July 11, 2026, for the Yorkshire region, affecting around 5 million customers.
UK officials have warned that the risk of drought conditions is becoming increasingly likely in parts of the country, with authorities monitoring East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall.
The Heatwave's Impact
The current heatwave follows a period of exceptionally high temperatures. The UK recorded its eighth day at or above 34°C in a calendar year on Thursday, July 9, 2026, surpassing previous records from 1976 and 2020. June 2026 was also confirmed by the Met Office as the hottest on record for England, with a peak of 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26 (Met Office).
“This year has already seen a number of remarkable temperature milestones. Not only have we now recorded a record eight days with temperatures exceeding 34°C, surpassing the previous record held by 1976 and 2020, but it is also the first year in the UK weather record to see temperatures reach 35°C or higher in May, June and July. These records highlight just how notable this year has been for UK temperatures, with exceptional warmth observed across multiple months.”
While the Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates noted on July 6, 2026, that this heatwave isn't expected to be record-breaking in terms of peak temperatures, parts of southern England are likely to see several days in the low 30s Celsius, with a few places potentially reaching 34-35°C.
What this means for you
If you live in an affected area, you must adhere to the hosepipe ban restrictions imposed by your water company. Failure to comply could result in fines. Beyond water use, the sustained heat poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals. New research from Opinium for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition found that over 15 million people reported feeling unwell due to the heat during June's heatwave. Nearly half (47%) of those with difficult financial situations and four in ten (44%) disabled people reported feeling unwell. Close to one in five (18%) disabled people stated they could not afford to cool their homes.
While the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a Cold Weather Payment of £25 for each 7-day period when the average temperature is 0°C or below (running from November 1 to March 31), there is currently no equivalent direct payment from the DWP specifically for heatwave conditions, despite the documented impact on vulnerable groups.
What to do right now
- Check your water provider: Visit your water company's official website to confirm if a hosepipe ban is in effect for your postcode and to understand the specific restrictions.
- Conserve water: Even if not under a ban, consider reducing non-essential water use to help preserve supplies.
- Stay cool and hydrated: Follow public health advice for staying safe in the heat, such as drinking plenty of fluids, staying in the shade, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Where to get help
For specific details on hosepipe bans and water-saving tips, consult your local water company's website. For health advice during a heatwave, refer to NHS guidance. If you are struggling with the cost of cooling your home, consider contacting local charities or advice services who may be able to offer support or signposting to relevant resources, though direct DWP heat-related payments are not currently available.
Sources
- Met Office — Temperature records and heatwave forecasts (July 6, 2026; July 10, 2026)
- South East Water — Temporary Use Ban announcement (July 3, 2026)
- Southern Water — Hosepipe ban announcement (July 10, 2026)
- Anglian Water — Hosepipe ban announcement (July 11, 2026)
- Cambridge Water — Hosepipe ban announcement (July 10, 2026)
- Affinity Water — Hosepipe ban announcement (July 10, 2026)
- Yorkshire Water — Temporary Use Ban declaration (July 11, 2026)
- Opinium for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition — Research on heatwave impact on vulnerable groups (June 2026 data)
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) — Cold Weather Payment scheme details (gov.uk)