Hosepipe ban set to be introduced in Banbury

“Given the long-term forecast of dry weather and another forecast of very hot temperatures coming this week, we are planning to announce a temporary use ban in the coming weeks," said Thames Water.

The water company has responded to the level 3 heatwave that was issued midday on Tuesday August, 9 by warning of a temporary ban on hosepipe usage to conserve water.

The August heatwave is expected to last until Sunday August 13, and comes not long after the UK experienced temperatures as high as 41C last month in an extreme heatwave.

A hosepipe ban will mean that water can not be used to wash cars, hose down pavements, fill swimming pools or water slides, and water lawns.

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

A spokesperson for Thames Water said hosepipe bans are introduced to help conserve water for essential reasons, such as drinking water, sewage systems, and for fire rescue services.

They added: “Given the long-term forecast of dry weather and another forecast of very hot temperatures coming this week, we are planning to announce a temporary use ban in the coming weeks.“We have written to the Environment Agency to update them on our approach and informed Ofwat.“The timing is not confirmed due to a number of operational and legal procedural requirements but we will be updating our customers, partners, regulators, and stakeholders at the earliest time to ensure a co-ordinated approach.“In the meantime, we continue to urge our customers to only use what they need for their essential use.

Although a specific hosepipe ban has not been referenced to, this restriction is expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.