Thames Water extends hosepipe ban into autumn

Thames Water has extended its hosepipe ban into autumn, affecting millions of customers across its region, including parts of Wiltshire, Swindon, and the Oxford area. Despite recent rainfall in September, the company stated that the precipitation has been insufficient to recover water levels in rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater sources following an exceptionally dry spring and summer.

Data indicates that rainfall between March and August was less than half of the expected average. In the Thames catchment, August rainfall reached only 28mm, which is 43 per cent of the long-term average. Reservoir levels have also seen significant declines; London’s reservoir storage dropped to 59 per cent, compared to a typical 78 per cent, while Farmoor Reservoir near Oxford stands at 75 per cent against a usual 93 per cent.

Julie Morton, Head of Water Resources at Thames Water, noted that while September rain is welcome, groundwater and soil moisture remain significantly below average. The company requires “significant and prolonged rainfall” before restrictions can be reconsidered. To manage the impact of the dry weather, Thames Water has increased its leak repair efforts, currently fixing more than 1,000 leaks per week.