UK hosepipe bans increase and may last until October

Thames Water, Southern Water, and South East Water have all announced restrictions on water use due to 2022’s prolonged dry weather and record breaking temperatures. 

The number of UK hosepipe bans in place is increasing this week, with two more suppliers confirming their intention to introduce bans on the use of equipment such as hosepipes and sprinklers. 

Late-July saw Southern Water announce significant restrictions for domestic customers in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, who are now subject to a Temporary Use Ban which came into effect on 5th August. The firm was the first in the country to take action. 

More recently, South East Water has confirmed that people in Kent and Sussex will also have to contend with similar restrictions from Friday 12th August, a result of both the lack of rainfall and record demand for water among customers. Finally, Thames Water will also introduce a ban on hosepipes in the coming weeks, with ‘operational and legal procedural requirements’ preventing restrictions being brought in sooner. 

‘Our aim is always to ensure that we will have enough water to supply our customers, regardless of the weather,’ a Thames Water statement said. ‘Given the long term forecast of dry weather and another forecast of very hot temperatures coming this week we are planning to announce a temporary use ban in the coming weeks.’

According to modelling by Southern Water, river levels may only reach adequate depths by early October, suggesting restrictions could be in place for several months, with more companies and regions expected to be effected in the coming days and weeks. So far, 2022 has seen many parts of England experience their driest July since 1935, while some regions recorded the month as their driest on record. Temperatures peaked at more than 40C in southern areas during the last heatwave, almost causing power outages across London. A new heatwave warning was issued on Tuesday 9th August over concerns for public health. 

Image credit: Harry Grout