Thames Water's ban affects 10 million of its customers as more Londoners live under hosepipe restrictions during the long summer of dry weather. The restriction follows higher demand for public water supplies, which has risen by up to 30% on the hottest days this July.
Seven water companies have implemented or announced future hosepipe bans to reduce the strain on treatment works and storage during peak demand. This includes Thames Water and Affinity Water, while SES Water has no plans to announce a ban.
What does this ban cover and is anyone exempt?
Thames Water has implemented a temporary usage ban for 10.1 million customers because of high demand for water, caused by recent heatwaves and prolonged dry weather in the spring and summer.
The restrictions mean hosepipes should not be used for watering gardens, washing cars, allotments, filling paddling pools or swimming pools, or cleaning windows. Sprinkler systems are also included in the restrictions.
There are some exceptions to these rules and these exemptions may include:
Animal welfare, including pets, livestock, and fish
Watering food crops and certain newly planted trees
Customers who cannot reasonably adjust their water use because of severe mobility issues, a disability or medical condition
Blue badge customers are also exempt.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has advised gardeners managing through hot weather or hosepipe restrictions to use stored rainwater or grey water where possible and to water deeply but less frequently at the base of plants rather than little and often.
As our climate continues to change, adapting how we manage water is essential.
During a visit to our RHS Gardens you can see what plants are working well in the current conditions and our teams are on hand to offer advice and support.
Guy Barter, chief horticulturalist at the RHS, said:
