Thames Water Hosepipe Ban Hits 10.1 Million: What it Means for Your Bills

From Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 00:01 BST, Thames Water customers across London, the Thames Valley, and the home counties will be under a temporary use ban, affecting 10.1 million people. This measure, introduced due to significantly dry conditions and high demand, asks customers to comply immediately.

Thames Water's decision follows similar bans already in place across much of England and parts of Wales. South East Water, Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Southern Water, South West Water, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water have all implemented restrictions. In total, around 23 million people across England are now under or facing limitations on hosepipe usage.

The Environment Agency reports that eight areas in England are currently in 'prolonged dry weather' status, which is the stage preceding an official drought declaration. These regions include East Anglia, the West Midlands, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire and London, Wessex, Thames, and Solent and the South Downs.

Helen Wakeham, Chair of the National Drought Group and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, stated on July 21, 2026, that 'Dry weather depletes our water, while the hot conditions mean we use more of it. This is a difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use.'

England has received only 3% of its long-term average July rainfall, with the south and east experiencing almost no rain. National reservoir storage stands at 78.8%, about 5% lower than the long-term average. Only 13% of rivers are at normal levels for this time of year, with many exceptionally low. The UK has also experienced three heatwaves in 2026, and June 2026 was the hottest on record for England, reaching 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26, according to the Met Office.

How Drought Conditions Affect Your Finances and Benefits

While a hosepipe ban doesn't directly alter welfare payments like Universal Credit or the State Pension, the broader drought conditions can indirectly impact household finances. Droughts contribute to the ongoing cost of living crisis, primarily through increased food prices. In 2022, the average UK household paid an extra £407 for food due to climate change impacts and energy prices, with food price inflation rising above 14% in September 2022. Climate change-induced extreme weather, including droughts, contributed to a third of UK grocery price increases in the past year, adding an average of £19 to monthly grocery bills.

Households receiving Universal Credit are particularly vulnerable, with 84% unable to afford at least one essential item (food, heating, toiletries) in the past six months, compared to 53% of non-means-tested benefit recipients.

The WaterSure Scheme: Support for Low-Income Households

For those struggling with water bills, the WaterSure scheme offers a crucial safety net. This scheme caps your water bill at the average household amount, preventing charges from rising too high due to high water usage.

Eligibility for WaterSure

You may be eligible for WaterSure if you receive certain welfare benefits and meet specific criteria:

• You receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits (such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Working Tax Credit).
• You have three or more children under 16 living at home.
• You or someone in your household has a medical condition that requires significant additional water use (e.g., for dialysis at home, frequent washing due to a skin condition).

Over 250,000 households nationally currently benefit from the WaterSure scheme.

But there are risks

While the WaterSure scheme is designed to help, some reports suggest that enforcement of hosepipe bans for those on WaterSure may be less stringent. However, it is always advisable to comply with restrictions where they are in place to conserve water and avoid potential penalties.

What this means for you

If you are a Thames Water customer or live in an area with a hosepipe ban, you must adhere to the restrictions. If you are on a low income and receive benefits, especially if you have a large family or a medical condition requiring extra water, you should check your eligibility for the WaterSure scheme to cap your water bills.

What to do right now

1. Understand the Ban: Familiarise yourself with the specific restrictions imposed by Thames Water or your local water company.
2. Check WaterSure Eligibility: If you receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits, and either have three or more children or a medical condition requiring significant water use, contact your water company to see if you qualify for the WaterSure scheme.
3. Apply for WaterSure: If eligible, your water company will guide you through the application process. You may need to provide proof of your benefits and, for medical conditions, a doctor's note.
4. Conserve Water: Even if you are on WaterSure, it's important to conserve water where possible to help manage demand during this prolonged dry period.

Where to get help

For specific information on the hosepipe ban and the WaterSure scheme, contact your water company directly. For general advice on benefits, you can visit the official gov.uk website.

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