London water companies impose temporary hosepipe ban amid heatwave and drought

Thames Water announced a temporary hose‑pipe usage ban for its 10.1 million customers in London, taking effect at 00:01 GMT on Thursday. The restriction covers non‑essential outdoor water use such as garden irrigation, car washing, filling paddling pools, jacuzzis and sprinkler systems. It was introduced in response to prolonged dry weather, three record‑breaking heat waves and a surge in demand that has risen up to 30 % on the hottest days of July.

Exemptions include health‑and‑safety needs, animal welfare, watering of food crops or newly planted trees, customers with severe mobility or medical issues, wastewater‑only customers and Blue‑badge holders. The Royal Horticultural Society advises gardeners to use stored rainwater, adopt drought‑tolerant species and water deeply but less frequently. Seven water utilities across England have implemented or announced similar bans to protect treatment works and storage capacity during peak demand.