Thames Water to restrict usage in parts of southern England as they claim there is an urgent need to “make every drop count”
Thames Water have announced a hosepipe ban for most of southern England(Image credit: Getty Images)
The UK is facing a growing water crisis after experiencing one of the driest springs in over a century and the warmest June on record.
The Environment Agency has now placed much of southern England under the prolonged dry weather category.
In response, Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban for over a million customers beginning Tuesday, 22 July 2025, forcing homeowners into using water saving methods to ease the strain on resources.
Where and why the ban is happening
Thames Water say water usage is up by as much as 30%(Image credit: Getty Images)
Thames Water’s new Temporary Use Ban (TUB) will cover customers in the following postcode areas: OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8, and RG9.
These regions are supplied by Farmoor Reservoir, where water levels have dropped significantly due to a lack of rainfall and surging demand. The company says local rivers and underground water sources are also struggling, prompting urgent action.
Not all customers in Thames Water's network are affected, but further restrictions may be introduced if dry conditions persist. The company emphasised the need for “everyone to work together to keep taps running for essential use.”
Water levels in the Thames Valley are being monitored closely, with Farmoor Reservoir particularly under pressure.
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Warmer temperatures are reportedly driving water usage up by as much as 30%, adding strain to treatment plants and storage tanks that are already nearing capacity.
“We’re treating and supplying water around the clock,” Thames Water said. “But rising demand means slower refills and increased vulnerability across the network.”
Yorkshire Water enforced a ban from 11 July, affecting over 5 million customers.
South East Water will implement a ban from 18 July across Kent and Sussex, impacting 1.4 million people.
The latest ban takes the total number of homes affected by hosepipe bans to over 2.5 million, and as dry weather continues there are concerns more companies may soon follow suit.
What can and can't you do under the hosepipe ban
A hosepipe ban could stop homeowners from being able to water their gardens(Image credit: Getty)
The ban prohibits hosepipe use for activities like watering gardens, washing vehicles, or filling paddling pools.
Households are urged to conserve water in all areas, even if not yet under restriction. Businesses that rely on hosepipe use, such as nurseries and car washes, are exempt, but asked to act responsibly.
Thames Water says it will continue to update customers if additional postcodes are added to the ban and is encouraging everyone to “make every drop count.”
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
