Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban that will affect its more than 10 million customers, effective from 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, due to prolonged dry conditions and elevated water demand. The company is urging households to begin complying with the restrictions immediately, ahead of the official start.

Nevil Muncaster, director of strategic water resources at Thames Water, emphasized the necessity of the ban, stating that while essential water use remains sufficient, reducing non-essential outdoor consumption is critical to preserving supplies for both consumers and the environment.

This latest measure follows South East Water’s recent expansion of its hosepipe ban from Kent to include customers in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire. With this addition, at least six water companies have introduced restrictions, collectively impacting approximately 20 million users.

South East Water cited declining river levels and the need to protect groundwater sources amid below-average rainfall, sustained hot weather, and high demand as reasons for maintaining these restrictions.

The initial hosepipe ban was implemented earlier this week by Welsh Water, covering about 33,000 customers across parts of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire.

Meteorological data from the Met Office indicate that central and southeast England are experiencing one of the longest stretches without measurable rainfall this century. June 2026 was recorded as the hottest June on record in England, with temperatures reaching 37.7 degrees Celsius in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26.

Authorities have encouraged households nationwide to reduce water usage, with some companies requesting voluntary pauses on hosepipe use in areas not yet under formal bans.

Under the regulations, a hosepipe ban constitutes a temporary use prohibition with legal enforcement measures. Violations can result in fines up to £1,000, distinguishing it from advisory notices that do not carry penalties.