‘We have faced one of our most challenging summers’: Banbury area hits 100 days of drought
Banbury has reached 100 days under drought conditions following a prolonged period of unusually dry weather that has put water supplies under pressure.
The Environment Agency first declared drought across Banbury and the wider Thames Valley region on July 29.
Between March 1 and September 30, Thames Water said the area received just 34 per cent of the rainfall recorded during the same period in 2024.
Thames Water introduced a temporary hosepipe ban on July 23, which remains in place.
The water company said recent rain had helped some rivers and reservoirs recover, but months of sustained rainfall would be needed to fully replenish supplies.
Julie Morton, head of water resources at Thames Water, said: “It’s one hundred days since the Environment Agency declared drought and we have faced one of our most challenging summers in recent memory. Record-breaking dry weather and five heatwaves have put significant strain on water resources in our region.
“The recent rain has been welcome, however, recovery from a drought that developed over many months will take time, particularly when the ground is so dry.”
Thames Water is continuing to urge customers to use water wisely as the country moves into the colder months.
Ms Morton added: “The forecast looks relatively dry for the first half of November, and we need sustained rainfall through the autumn and winter to replenish water resources ahead of next spring and summer.
“We’re grateful to our customers for continuing to use water carefully while our teams work to protect supplies and the environment.”
The company has published advice on saving water and reducing bills at: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/news/2026/oct/thames-water-asks-customers-to-keep-saving-water-this-autumn-as-drought-pressures-continue