THAMES WATER has announced on Tuesday, August 8, that it will be instating a hosepipe ban “within weeks” as much of England faces heatwaves.
Around 15 million people under the water authority could be subject to the ban as the second heatwave of the summer sets in.
Thames Water is the water authority covering Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Kent, London, and Surrey.
In a statement, it stated that it was planning to announce the temporary ban “in the coming weeks” though it hasn’t given a firm date.
During the ban, people will not be allowed to use hosepipes to water gardens or plants, fill swimming or paddling pools, clean cars, or to clean windows.
Hosepipes may be used for business purposes, or to fill pools used for medical or religious uses.
Those caught breaking the rules could face fines of up to £1,000.
Thames Water said the decision was in response to the “long-term forecast of dry weather,” and referenced the heatwave due to affect much of the south later this week, the second issued this year.
The ban would be the third implemented in England this year, after Southern Water’s bans in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and South East Water’s ban, due to come into effect on Friday, August 12.
The authority said: “Our aim is always to ensure that we will have enough water to supply our customers, regardless of the weather.”
“The timing is not confirmed due to a number of operational and legal procedural requirements but we will be updating our customers, partners, regulators and stakeholders at the earliest time to ensure a coordinated approach.
“In the meantime we continue to urge our customers to only use what they need for their essential use.”
