Thames Water has confirmed that a hosepipe ban will take effect on Tuesday, July 22, affecting customers across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, most of Wiltshire, and parts of Berkshire. This decision follows the Environment Agency’s classification of the region under the “prolonged dry weather category,” reflecting persistent drought conditions.
The ban will cover all postcodes beginning with OX, GL, SN, as well as RG4, RG8, and RG9. Nevil Muncaster, Strategic Water Resources Director at Thames Water, explained the necessity of the measure: “This spring and summer have been exceptionally challenging with high spikes in customer water usage during hot, dry days and minimal rainfall to replenish reservoirs in the Thames Valley.”
With no improvement in the forecast, Mr. Muncaster added, “Every drop of water we use comes from the environment, and we must balance protecting it while maintaining adequate reservoir levels. Implementing this hosepipe ban ensures there’s enough water for essential needs and helps safeguard local rivers.”
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The company expressed gratitude toward customers for their ongoing efforts to conserve water by adopting simple habits like turning taps off while brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, and allowing lawns to dry out.
Similar water restrictions are emerging across the UK. Yorkshire Water introduced hosepipe limitations last Friday to curb water use amid forecasts of continued dry weather. South East Water also reported record demand for drinking water since May and will enforce hosepipe bans from July 18 in Kent and Sussex, restricting activities such as watering gardens, cleaning vehicles, and filling paddling pools.
Violating these bans can result in fines of up to £1,000, underscoring the importance of responsible water use during these challenging times.