Hosepipe ban and water restrictions remain in place for Banbury residents despite recent rain
Thames Water has confirmed its hosepipe ban and water restrictions will remain in place despite recent rainfall.
According to the water company, rainfall over the past month has not been enough to restore levels in rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources.
It follows the hottest summer on record in the UK, with almost three-quarters of England considered to be in drought by the National Drought Group.
In the Thames Water catchment, August rainfall was reportedly just 28mm – 43 per cent of the long-term average.
Julie Morton, head of water resources at Thames Water, said: “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.
“Across our region, rainfall between March and August was less than half of what we would normally expect, and while some river levels have responded to recent rain, groundwater and soil moisture remain significantly below average.
“We will need significant and prolonged rainfall over the coming weeks to be able to consider lifting the restrictions that remain in place.”
Groundwater and soil moisture levels remain low, meaning sustained rainfall over weeks or months will be needed before Thames Water can consider lifting the temporary use ban, which has been in place since July.
Julie added: “We know restrictions are frustrating and we’re grateful to customers for continuing to use water carefully. Every reduction in water use helps protect supplies for customers, communities and the environment.”
For more information, visit: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/about-us/performance/reservoir-levels-and-rainfall-figures