Thames Water to introduce hosepipe ban across Banbury and Chipping Norton

The water company will introduce the temporary restrictions from Thursday, July 23.

Thames Water has brought in the ban in response to three official heatwaves, record temperatures and sustained high demand for water.

The ban means residents in affected areas must not use hosepipes for non-essential activities.

This includes watering gardens, washing cars and patios, filling paddling pools or topping up hot tubs.

Residents may still use buckets and watering cans, and there are exemptions for people with health conditions or disabilities, as well as for water used for the welfare of pets and animals.

Nevil Muncaster, Thames Water's director of strategic water resources, said: “We would not be taking this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment.

“Recent heatwaves and a very dry spring and summer have led to sustained high demand. While there is enough water for essential use, we need to reduce non-essential outdoor demand to keep taps flowing.

“Many customers have already reduced their water use and that support has made a difference. Thank you to everyone who has already changed their daily habits.

“Our teams are working 24/7 to keep water moving, fix leaks and support customers. We will keep the situation under close review and lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Anyone caught breaking the hosepipe ban could face a fine of up to £1,000 and prosecution under Section 76 of the Water Industry Act 1991.

Thames Water has urged customers to follow the restrictions now, ahead of the hosepipe ban coming into force.

It says demand for water is currently around 10% above normal levels across the Thames Valley and Home Counties.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “On average, customers are using an additional 100 million litres of water every day across London and the Thames Valley, the equivalent of adding all the homes in Manchester to the company's network.

“During peak periods, water is being used faster than it can be treated and moved through parts of the network, placing additional pressure on local supplies.”

For more information about the temporary hosepipe ban, visit: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/temporary-hosepipe-ban