Thames Water has announced a temporary hosepipe ban affecting parts of Gloucestershire, including Cirencester and surrounding Cotswold villages. The restrictions take effect from 00:01 BST on Thursday, July 23, in response to unprecedented hot weather and soaring water demand.
Under the ban, customers must refrain from using hosepipes for non-essential purposes such as watering gardens, cleaning cars, filling paddling pools, or topping up hot tubs. Essential uses like drinking, cooking, washing, hygiene, and the use of buckets or watering cans remain permitted. Exemptions are in place for health, safety, and severe mobility issues.
The affected areas include Cirencester, villages along the River Churn, Fairford and its vicinity (Quenington, Coln St Aldwyns, Hatherop, Eastleach Turville, Fyfield), Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury, and Kemble.
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Thames Water reports that demand across the Thames Valley and Home Counties is about 10% higher than usual, and London demand is 7% above normal. Daily usage has increased by approximately 100 million litres — equivalent to adding the water needs of all Manchester households — putting intense pressure on supply and treatment capabilities.
Nevil Muncaster, Director of Strategic Water Resources, emphasized that the ban is a necessary measure to safeguard essential supplies and the environment. “We have enough water for essential use, but non-essential outdoor consumption must be reduced to maintain supply. We thank customers who have already adapted their habits,” he stated.
This spring saw just 40% of average rainfall in the Thames Water region, combined with multiple heatwaves, surpassing previous temperature records set in 1976 and 2020. With no rainfall recorded in July and demand continuing to spike during prolonged dry periods, water resources are severely strained.
Thames Water’s teams are working around the clock to maintain supply, fix leaks, and support customers. Restrictions will be lifted as soon as it is safe for the water system and environment.
The hosepipe ban applies to all customers who receive drinking water from Thames Water, but excludes waste-only customers and those served by other water providers.