Thames Water has today provided an update on activities since it first announced the introduction of a Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) which came into effect on 22^nd July for parts of its network in the Thames Valley including in Swindon and in areas of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire.

Since June 1, over 1,450 leaks have been fixed in the area affected by the Temporary Use Ban. Warmer weather causes soil to dry and contract and this can cause leaks or bursts, particularly in clay-heavy areas like the South East. Thames has completed over 600 leak repairs in the area affected by the Temporary Use Ban in the month since it came into effect.

Since the start of June, over 34,000 smart meters have been installed in the Thames Valley, helping customers save water and helping the company identify and fix leaky pipes.

The water company has calculated that it has saved over 5 million litres of water a day since the hosepipe ban started a month ago.

Latest July weather statistics and water resources information provided by Thames include:

• The National Drought Group recently defined the current water situation in England as a “nationally significant incident.”
• July was the fifth warmest on record since records began in 1884
• Thames has had five consecutive months of below average rainfall, experienced the fourth heatwave of the summer and the forecast for August is for warmer drier weather
• At the end of July, the Soil Moisture Deficit was drier than average for the time of year.
• Groundwater levels are Notably Low for areas affected by the temporary use ban
• River flows at the end of July were below average for the time of year.
• In July storage remained below average for both London and Farmoor reservoirs.

Nevil Muncaster, Strategic Water Resources Director at Thames Water, commented:

“I want to thank customers for helping to save water across their homes and gardens since we implemented the temporary use ban. These welcomed reductions have really supported our efforts to maintain stable reservoir levels through this hot dry summer. We’re also doing our part to help protect supplies, finding and fixing over 1,450 leaks and installing over 34,000 smart meters in the Thames Valley since the start of June.

“While there have been spells of wet weather, so far in August, we have received just three per cent of the long-term average rainfall for the month which is contributing to the overall strain on water resources across the region. 

“We still need prolonged and significant rainfall to replenish supplies, and based on current forecasts, we anticipate the hosepipe ban will remain in place as we continue to monitor reservoir levels. It is important to remember every drop of water we use comes from the environment, reducing water use helps to protect the health of the local waterways and wildlife.