Thames Water announces hosepipe restrictions for part of its region
Customers living in some parts of Thames Water’s supply region will not be allowed to use a hosepipe from 22 July, as the company steps up efforts to protect the environment and water for essential use.
Thames Water is introducing a hosepipe ban for the Thames Valley region which includes areas with a postcode starting with OX, GL, SN and RG4, RG8 and RG9.
The company is implementing the next stage of its drought plan after the driest spring in over a century saw the Thames Valley area placed in Prolonged Dry Weather status by the Environment Agency. This means there is a heightened risk of drought.
Responding to the announcement, Cath Jones, Head of Company Engagement at the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said:
Protecting the environment and essential water supplies for people should be a priority after the exceptionally dry first half of the year, so we understand why Thames Water has had to act now to try and ease some of that pressure through hosepipe restrictions.
The company also needs to show customers that it has a grip of leakage on its own network given its poor track record. Water companies should be leading by example and regularly telling their customers how they are reducing the amount of water lost through leaks.
People do have a really important part to play, not only through adhering to the restrictions, but also making small changes like shaving a couple of minutes off their shower, turning off the tap while brushing their teeth and only running washing machines and dishwashers on eco mode and with full loads.