Thames Water has confirmed that it is lifting its hosepipe ban for customers across London and the Thames Valley with immediate effect.

The water company has removed its Temporary Use Ban, also known as a hosepipe ban, for customers across the region. The ban, which imposed restrictions on water use, was implemented to give rivers and reservoirs a chance to recover after a long period of low rainfall.

Thames Water said that thanks to customer support and recent wet weather, including above average rainfall, restrictions on water use are no longer currently required. Demand for water reduced significantly during the ban, supporting supply and helping to keep taps flowing.  

This coupled with recent heavy rain has meant that river and reservoir levels have started to improve. Both September and October experienced long term average rainfall above 130% and in the first two weeks of November we have already received a months' worth of rainfall.

The hosepipe ban came into effect on the 24 August 2022 following one of the driest years on record - nine of the last twelve months experienced below average rainfall (November 2021 to October 2022).

Storage levels are improving at many reservoirs across the region. This includes Farmoor, which supplies approximately 480,000 customers across Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, where water levels have returned to near normal levels of 87%.

However, the company is stressing that a cautious approach is still required with West London reservoirs remaining below average storage levels.

Sarah Bentley, Thames Water CEO said:

“We are grateful to our customers for their support in saving water during the hosepipe ban. Small changes can make a huge difference when it comes to preserving water and we’re thankful to all our customers for their efforts.

“Careful consideration has gone into our decision to remove the ban. Despite the recent rain, we still need to protect our future water supply. We need more rain throughout winter to ensure our rivers and reservoirs are fully recharged, ready for spring and summer next year.

“Whilst storage levels have improved at many of our reservoirs, we’re not out of the woods yet. Some sites in West London remain below average, which is why we’re adopting a cautious approach and carefully monitoring water levels throughout autumn and winter.”  

Although the temporary use ban has now lifted, customers are being urged to continue using less water at home. Simple switches like taking shorter showers and fully loading washing machines will help protect future supplies and save customers money on their energy bills too, the water company said.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has reiterated the need for a cautious approach going forward. Commenting in response to Thames Water lifting hosepipe restrictions for its customers,

Karen Gibbs, CCW’s Senior Leader for the Environment, said:

“Even though restrictions have been lifted for Thames Water customers, it’s still really important that people continue to use water wisely, as it will take considerable time for the environment to fully recover from the drought.”

“There also remain significant cost of living benefits to saving water which can take some of the heat out of energy and water bills, through simple steps like shortening your time in the shower or always ensuring your washing machine is fully loaded. Our website is packed with lots of tips that can help ease the pressure on the one in ten people that say their water bill is unaffordable.”