Thames Water: London faces ‘imminent’ hosepipe ban amid extreme weather

A hosepipe ban is set to be introduced imminently across London, with Thames Water expected to confirm restrictions later this week.

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

The restrictions are likely to see millions of people in London told to cut back on their water use, as residents are asked to save on supplies.

The extreme weather, which has led to a series of grass fires across the capital, could now bring flash flooding over the coming days.

In the first week of August, the London Fire Brigade recorded 340 grass fires, eight times more than the same week last year.

A spokesperson for Thames Water previously said it is “planning to announce a temporary use ban in the coming weeks”.

What is a hosepipe ban?

A hosepipe ban is a temporary measure which restricts the outdoor use of water supplies.

It can be brought in during times of extra heat or dry weather.

A drought was officially declared in eight areas of England on Friday by the National Drought Group (NDG), which comprises representatives from the Government, water companies, the Environment Agency (EA) and others.

The announcement included: Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Kent and South London, Herts and North London, East Anglia, Thames, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, and East Midlands.

What restrictions could be in place?

Thames Water will announce restrictions and any exemptions that will be in place in the coming weeks.

But if you are wondering what to expect, Yorkshire Water announced a hosepipe ban this week.

The company announced a ban on:

• Watering a garden using a hosepipe
• Cleaning vehicles or boats using a hosepipe
• Watering plants with a hosepipe
• Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
• Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
• Cleaning walls or windows of domestic premises using a hosepipe
• Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
• Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe