Thames Water has declared a ban on hosepipe usage for its 16 million customers due to hot and dry weather conditions and a surge in demand. The restriction, termed a temporary use ban, will be enforced shortly after midnight on Thursday. The largest water company in the UK is urging households to adhere to the ban immediately before its official commencement. This means that customers are prohibited from using hosepipes for non-essential tasks such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling pools, or topping up hot tubs.

While hosepipes are off-limits, customers can still utilize buckets and watering cans for essential purposes. Exceptions to the ban include cases where water usage is crucial for health and safety or for individuals with severe mobility issues. Thames Water has not specified the duration of the ban but stated that it will be lifted when conditions permit, emphasizing the need for sustained and substantial rainfall.

This move impacts approximately 24 million households and businesses nationwide, with around 8 million customers already facing penalties for hosepipe usage due to the prevailing hot weather conditions. South East Water recently joined in imposing restrictions on 2.4 million customers in select areas, following an existing ban in Kent.

Water companies have the authority to enforce hosepipe bans and impose fines of up to £1,000 on violators. Thames Water clarified that customers will not receive compensation for any disruptions caused by the ban. The decision coincides with speculation about the potential nationalization of the indebted supplier, particularly with the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, who has previously supported the idea.

Thames Water reported a 10% increase in water usage in the Thames Valley and the Home Counties, along with a 7% rise in London, attributed to the consecutive heatwaves and the driest spring on record for England and Wales. Nevil Muncaster, the director of strategic water resources at Thames Water, emphasized the necessity of the ban to safeguard water supplies and the environment. He acknowledged the efforts of customers who have already reduced their water consumption.

Thames Water teams are working tirelessly to maintain water supply, address leaks, and assist customers. The ban applies to customers supplied with drinking water by Thames Water but excludes waste-only customers or those served by other water providers. The ban was announced a week after the company’s CEO defended a substantial pay rise despite the company’s financial challenges. Chris Weston’s annual salary increased to nearly £1 million, sparking controversy amid the company’s financial uncertainties.