Hosepipe ban

Published: 23 July 2026

A temporary hosepipe ban has been announced for customers who receive their water supply from Thames Water (wastewater-only customers are not affected).

The ban is the result of ongoing dry weather and heatwaves, low rainfall and forecasts for further hot dry weather.

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.