Why Are Water Companies Banning Hosepipes?

Millions of people in and around London are now living under a hosepipe ban. Seven water companies have put rules in place — or announced plans to — after a long, hot, and dry summer pushed demand for water up by as much as 30% on the hottest days in July. Thames Water, which serves over 10 million customers, is one of the biggest companies taking part. The ban means people cannot use hosepipes for many common outdoor tasks until water supplies recover.

Under the ban, people cannot use a hosepipe to water their gardens, wash their cars, fill paddling pools or swimming pools, or clean windows. Sprinkler systems are also banned under the new rules. These restrictions are meant to reduce the pressure on water treatment plants and storage tanks when demand is at its peak. Thames Water said: 'While there is enough water for essential use, we need to reduce non-essential outdoor demand to keep taps flowing.'

Not everyone has to follow these rules. People who cannot easily change their water use because of a disability, serious health condition, or severe mobility problems are exempt. Animal welfare — including caring for pets, fish, and farm animals — is also covered. Gardeners growing food crops or caring for newly planted trees may still be able to water them as needed.

Businesses, charities, and public organisations can still use hosepipes when they truly need them for their work. This includes professional car washers and cleaning companies. Parks and public green spaces cannot use hoses or sprinklers, though there are exceptions for safety reasons. Kew Gardens in west London — home to more than 11,000 trees — is fully exempt but says its team already takes many steps to save water.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given tips to help gardeners manage during the ban. They recommend collecting rainwater or using grey water — water already used indoors — where possible. It is better to water plants deeply and less often at their base than to give them small amounts every day. Planting drought-tolerant species and improving soil health can also help gardens survive future dry summers.

No end date has been set for the ban, and water companies say they will lift restrictions once supplies have recovered enough. They are asking customers to think carefully about how they use water in the meantime. Companies say they will contact people who break the rules more than once and may take further action if the ban is ignored. Customers have been asked not to call 999 if they spot someone using a hosepipe.

Some people feel the ban is unfair given how much water is already being wasted. Greenpeace UK says water firms in England and Wales lose around five times more water through leaky pipes than a nationwide hosepipe ban could save. Both Thames Water and Affinity Water say they are investing in finding and fixing leaks. Thames Water reports its leaks are down 15.1% compared to 2019-20, with teams working 24/7 to keep water moving.