More than 10 million households could face hosepipe restrictions until the end of the year, as Britain's largest water company issues a warning over the prolonged period of hot and dry weather leaving a lasting impact on water supplies.
Thames Water has said its temporary use restrictions may remain in place for several months, with bosses insisting the measures are needed to protect the environment and allow water resources to recover.
Nevil Muncaster, the company’s strategic water resources director, told Times Radio that demand for water had surged during the summer heatwaves.
“There’s been a huge demand on top of our normal supplies,” he said when discussing the impact of the recent hot weather.
Asked when customers could expect the restrictions to be lifted, Mr Muncaster said it was “realistically” likely to be towards the end of the year.
“That’s something we need to make sure we do, just to protect the environment,” he said.
He added that Thames Water would be able to remove the restrictions once there was a “recovery in our systems”, but warned that conditions remained dry.
“The Environment Agency forecast is that it will be drier than normal for the next few months, but we’ll wait and see,” he added.
The warnings come as Britain reaches the end of its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring above 38C in London on the hottest day of the year.
While parts of the country have recently experienced thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, water companies say the amount has not yet been enough to reverse the impact of months of unusually dry weather.
Nearly three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales are currently facing drought conditions, placing further pressure on reservoirs, rivers and groundwater supplies.
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The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain in several major UK cities earlier this week, bringing some of the first substantial rainfall to parts of the country in months..
Thames Water introduced its hosepipe ban in late July, affecting more than 10 million drinking water customers across its network, while other water companies such as Affinity Water and Anglian Water following suit.
Seven other companies have also brought in measures covering large parts of southern England and areas of Wales.
Wessex Water most recently introduced a hosepipe ban affecting more than one million customers, imposing restrictions for the first time in 50 years.
Under a temporary use ban, customers are prohibited from using hosepipes for a range of activities, including watering gardens, cleaning vehicles and filling swimming pools or hot tubs.
Sprinklers and pressure washers are also restricted.
Anyone who breaches the rules can face a fine of up to £1,000, although exemptions may apply in certain circumstances.
The bans will remain until water supplies have recovered sufficiently, meaning millions of households may have to continue conserving water well into the winter.
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More than 10 million households could face hosepipe restrictions until the end of the year, as Britain's largest water company issues a warning over the prolonged period of hot and dry weather leaving a lasting impact on water supplies.
Thames Water has said its temporary use restrictions may remain in place for several months, with bosses insisting the measures are needed to protect the environment and allow water resources to recover.
Nevil Muncaster, the company’s strategic water resources director, told Times Radio that demand for water had surged during the summer heatwaves.
“There’s been a huge demand on top of our normal supplies,” he said when discussing the impact of the recent hot weather.
Asked when customers could expect the restrictions to be lifted, Mr Muncaster said it was “realistically” likely to be towards the end of the year.
“That’s something we need to make sure we do, just to protect the environment,” he said.
He added that Thames Water would be able to remove the restrictions once there was a “recovery in our systems”, but warned that conditions remained dry.
“The Environment Agency forecast is that it will be drier than normal for the next few months, but we’ll wait and see,” he added.
The warnings come as Britain reaches the end of its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring above 38C in London on the hottest day of the year.
While parts of the country have recently experienced thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, water companies say the amount has not yet been enough to reverse the impact of months of unusually dry weather.
Nearly three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales are currently facing drought conditions, placing further pressure on reservoirs, rivers and groundwater supplies.
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- WATCH: Beachgoers flee as dozens of migrants leap from boat and charge ashore at tourist hotspot
- Furious farmer uses tractor to help clear off travellers after caravans pitch up outside school
- Labour offers millions of pounds to businesses who can crack great Net Zero energy puzzle
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain in several major UK cities earlier this week, bringing some of the first substantial rainfall to parts of the country in months..
Thames Water introduced its hosepipe ban in late July, affecting more than 10 million drinking water customers across its network, while other water companies such as Affinity Water and Anglian Water following suit.
Seven other companies have also brought in measures covering large parts of southern England and areas of Wales.
Wessex Water most recently introduced a hosepipe ban affecting more than one million customers, imposing restrictions for the first time in 50 years.
Under a temporary use ban, customers are prohibited from using hosepipes for a range of activities, including watering gardens, cleaning vehicles and filling swimming pools or hot tubs.
Sprinklers and pressure washers are also restricted.
Anyone who breaches the rules can face a fine of up to £1,000, although exemptions may apply in certain circumstances.
The bans will remain until water supplies have recovered sufficiently, meaning millions of households may have to continue conserving water well into the winter.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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