Parts of Gloucestershire will continue to face a hosepipe ban as water supply company Thames Water confirms that recent rainfall has yet to alleviate the prolonged dry conditions. The ban, which was introduced in July amid an exceptionally hot summer marked by five heatwaves, affects areas including Cirencester and the wider Cotswolds region.
Earlier this month, Thames Water indicated that the restrictions might remain in effect until the end of the year to safeguard water supplies, reservoirs and local rivers. Despite some welcome rainfall across the county in September, water levels have not sufficiently recovered after six months of drought.
The Met Office has confirmed that this summer was the hottest on record in the UK, with nearly three-quarters of England experiencing drought conditions. Groundwater and soil moisture in the Thames Water region remain notably low. The company emphasises that only sustained rainfall over several weeks or months will allow for any reconsideration of the temporary usage restrictions.
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Currently, approximately 16 million customers are impacted by the hosepipe ban. Thames Water has increased its efforts to reduce leaks, carrying out repairs on over 1,000 leaks per week-about 20% more than usual.
Julie Morton, head of water resources at Thames Water, commented: “While the rainfall we have seen in September is very welcome, it has not been enough to overcome the impact of the prolonged dry weather we’ve experienced since spring. Between March and August, rainfall was less than half the average we would expect.
“Although some river levels have improved following recent rain, groundwater and soil moisture remain significantly below average. We will need significant and sustained rainfall in the coming weeks before we can consider lifting the remaining restrictions.
“We understand that the restrictions are frustrating, and we are grateful to our customers for using water carefully. Every reduction in water use helps protect supplies for communities and the environment.”