Water restrictions expand in Denver and South East England due to drought

Water utilities in the United States and the United Kingdom are implementing stricter usage restrictions due to drought conditions and high temperatures.

In Denver, Colorado, Denver Water has enacted a lawn-watering ban for its 1.5 million customers. The restriction prohibits spray irrigation and lawn watering to preserve reservoir supplies following record-high temperatures in 2026. Single-family residential customers face a $500 fine for a first violation, with subsequent violations reaching $1,000 and potential termination of service. Multifamily and nonresidential properties face higher penalties, starting at $1,000.

In the United Kingdom, South East Water is expanding its hosepipe ban to include all customers, including those on the vulnerable customer register, effective October 9. The company is also seeking government approval for a ‘non-essential use ban’ (NEUB) to restrict commercial activities such as industrial dust suppression, commercial car washing, and window cleaning. These measures follow a series of dry months and heatwaves affecting South East England.