Thames Water have brought in a hosepipe ban (also known as a Temporary Use Ban) from Wednesday 24 August 2022.  

You can read their views on the reasons for the ban, advice on the legal position, and how they are tacklng leakages here.  

Essentially, do not use your hose for:

• Watering your garden or plants – although you can still use it to water food being grown in an allotment, where essential
• Filling or maintaining your paddling pool, swimming pool or hot tub
• Cleaning your vehicles
• Cleaning windows, walls, paths, patios and other artificial outdoor surfaces like artificial grass
• Recreational use like water fights and water slides

The ban applies to hosepipes, and anything attached to them, like sprinklers and jet washers. You can still use mains water from a watering can or bucket instead of a hose.

Thames Water have also advised that there are certain exemptions for Blue Badge holders and anyone who registers on their Priority Services Register here.