Hosepipe ban extended

Published: 06 October 2026

Thames Water has extended the hosepipe ban for customers who receive their water supply from Thames Water (wastewater-only customers are not affected) into Autumn after one of the driest spring and summer periods on UK record.  Recent rain has not been enough to recover water levels in rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources.

During the ban, hosepipes, sprinklers and pressure washers must not be used to water gardens, lawns or allotments, fill paddling pools, swimming pools or hot tubs, or to clean cars or outdoor areas.

Watering cans, buckets and water butts may still be used.

Further information about what is and isn’t permitted may be found on Thames Water's web site.