Thames Water hosepipe ban - expert comment

"This hosepipe ban is coming into place a whole month earlier in the year than the most recent hosepipe ban in 2022, and as a result the impact on individuals may be more profound, especially if we experience further heat waves during the rest of the summer. 

 

"The UK has been experiencing drier-than-average conditions since January, and while this low rainfall might not be as severe as in 1976, the increased population puts more demand on water resources and therefore water restrictions at this time are a sensible precaution.

 

"The postcodes affected by this hosepipe ban are those supplied by the Farmoor reservoir near Oxford, which is fed by the River Thames. The flow in the River Thames is currently very low, and this is set to continue with low groundwater levels upstream and no significant rainfall in sight. 

 

"Thames Water is proposing a new reservoir in Oxfordshire to help improve the future resilience of our water supply to drought, as a growing population and climate change put pressure on our water resources."

 

 

"Thames Water's hosepipe ban will affect more than one million people and shows the real pressure on Britain's water supplies as a result of climate change and increasing demand. Warmer conditions in the atmosphere and oceans are bringing more chaotic weather patterns to Britain that are straining our water resources.

 

"The recent heatwave comes on top of the previous heatwaves during June, and follows the very dry conditions in spring across many parts of England. The hot weather increases water demand as people use more water to stay cool and hydrated, but also for activities such as watering their gardens, washing more clothes and filling paddling pools.

 

"People living the Thames Valley get their water either from underground aquifers, which is water stored in the rocks beneath our feet, or from rivers and reservoirs. Groundwater levels are close to normal, but surface water in many areas is running low. Rivers and reservoirs respond more quickly to rainfall than groundwater, which takes much longer to diminish during a drought and to replenish from rain.

 

"Thames Water is acting to try to reduce consumer demand for water before a drought is declared, which is sensible management. It can be frustrating for individuals who are trying to save water when you think others are being profligate in their use. 

 

"People should remember that individual water-saving actions do add up when everyone makes an effort to reduce their water use. This means you should turn off taps when brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, use watering cans, let your lawn go brown, and install water butts to collect rainwater for your garden when it does fall."