13/07/2026
HOSEPIPE BAN FROM FRIDAY 10th JULY
From today, we're introducing a Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and parts of London.
That means if you live in the affected area, please don't use a hosepipe until further notice. This includes for watering gardens, using jet washers, washing cars and filling paddling pools. Full details, including exemptions, are available on our website.
We know this will be disruptive; it's not a decision we've taken lightly. Our region is one of the most water-stressed in the UK. Last month was the warmest June on record for England, with temperatures reaching as high as 37.7C, and we've seen a continued pattern of hot, dry weather since. Demand for water is higher than we would expect, up to 20% on average, and supplies are under real pressure.
Please only use water for essential purposes, such as drinking, cooking and washing, from today. Customers on the Priority Services Register, on the WaterSure tariff, and Blue Badge holders are exempt from the ban.
By reducing non-essential water use now, we can help protect water for everyone's essential daily needs and our local environment.
We're continuing to repair leaks, invest in our network and support customers to save water, while monitoring the situation every day. We'll lift the restrictions as soon as conditions allow.
Find out all details, including the full list of restrictions, exemptions and FAQs: https://bit.ly/4eVZeAP
Thank you to all our customers for working with us to protect water supplies for everyone. 💧