Hosepipe ban: When do the Thames Water restrictions in London take effect?

A hosepipe ban which will affect millions of people, has been brought into effect in London today.

The ban was brought in by Thames Water just after midnight on Wednesday August 24 and it is not known how long restrictions will last.

People will not be able to use hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars and windows, or fill paddling pools.

This follows the recent declaration of a drought in north and south London, after a prolonged spell of soaring summer temperatures during the heatwave.

The decision to impose a ban was made last month after it was reported that the River Thames had reached its lowest level since 2005.

Reservoir water levels have also fallen across London and the Thames Valley.

The ban is expected to save up to a further 10% of water, as demand has risen by up to 50%.

Those who have been found to breach the rule could be fined up to £1,000.

Thames Water says it is fixing over 1,100 leaks on its 20,000-mile network every week and has met its leakage reduction targets for the past three years.

While it is also drawing 120m litres of groundwater from its aquifer recharge system in London, to top up reservoirs.

Businesses are also asked to be mindful of the drought and to use water wisely.

In a statement on their website Thames Water said: “We’ve been working around the clock to supply everyone, and customers have been brilliant at saving water where they can.

“But, with low rainfall forecast for the coming months, we’ve had to take the next step in our drought plan.

“ Everything we do now will help protect supplies next summer and help the environment.”

Sarah Bentley, Thames Water chief executive, said: “Implementing a temporary use ban has been a very difficult decision to make and one which we have not taken lightly.

“After months of below average rainfall and the recent extreme temperatures in July and August, water resources in our region are depleted.

“Customer demand is at unprecedented levels.”

What restrictions are in place?

Thames Water has asked customers to not use a hose for:

• Watering your garden or plants – although customers can still use it to water food being grown in an allotment, where essential;
• Filling or maintaining your paddling pool, swimming pool or hot tub;
• Cleaning your vehicles;
• Cleaning windows, walls, paths, patios and other artificial outdoor surfaces like artificial grass;
• And recreational use like water fights and water slides.