London hosepipe ban to hit millions in the capital: Everything you need to know

Read MoreHowever, the utility is asking households to follow the b.an immediately ahead of its official start date.The ban was revealed in a statement on Thames Water’s website on Tuesday morning. It read: “A temporary hosepipe ban has been announced for customers who receive their water supply from Thames Water. “The hosepipe ban does not apply to customers who only receive wastewater services from Thames Water. However, your water supplier may have its own restrictions in place.”It said the measure “is not a step we take lightly”. A worker waters the grass on Parliament Square on July 6, 2026GettyThames Water said use is currently 10% above normal in the Thames Valley and the Home Counties, as well as 7% above normal in London.The high demand coincides with ongoing hot temperatures that followed three unprecedented heatwaves in three months and the driest spring on record for England and Wales.Nevil Muncaster, director of strategic water resources at Thames Water, said: “We would not be taking this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment.“While there is enough water for essential use, we need to reduce non-essential outdoor demand to keep taps flowing.“Many customers have already reduced their water use and that support has made a difference. Thank you to everyone who has already changed their daily habits.”Mr Muncaster added that Thames Water teams are working around the clock to keep water moving, fix leaks and support customers.“We will keep the situation under close review and lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so,” he added.What can’t you do?The restrictions apply to hosepipes, sprinklers and pressure washers for any non-essential activities.It means watering gardens, cleaning cars, filling paddling pools or topping up hot tubs are banned from Thursday, July 23. What’s allowed?You can still use watering cans, buckets, and water butts.There are usually exemptions for some customers and businesses such as window cleaners. Thames Water says it will publish a full list of exemptions in a legal notice going out on Thursday. What happens if you break the rules?Failing to stick to the hosepipe ban could result in a £1,000 fine.