Thames Water is seeking permission to increase water extraction from the River Thames to address critically low levels at Farmoor Reservoir, situated between Eynsham and Cumnor in Oxfordshire.
Official data indicates the reservoir currently holds approximately 76 per cent of its capacity, representing below-normal levels for this period.
The utility reports that Oxfordshire, certain areas of Wiltshire near Swindon, and sections of Gloucestershire around Cirencester are experiencing significant water deficits following an extended period of minimal precipitation.
Oxfordshire has experienced drought conditions since late last year, with restrictions on garden hose usage being implemented on July 23.
The proposed additional water extraction would be directed toward Farmoor Reservoir to decelerate the decline in water levels and sustain supplies for residential and commercial consumers over an extended period.
Increased abstraction from the Thames would result in diminished flow rates downstream of Farmoor.
However, the utility maintains it does not anticipate any adverse effects on other users drawing water from the river.
Comprehensive environmental evaluations have been conducted in conjunction with the Environment Agency, with a monitoring programme subsequently established involving both the Environment Agency and Natural England.
This monitoring initiative will examine river flow characteristics, designated protected zones and habitats, water quality standards, wildlife populations, broader river ecosystem health, and the potential introduction or impact of non-native species.
Thames Water has committed to implementing corrective measures should monitoring activities indicate environmental degradation.
Potential interventions include artificial flow augmentation for vulnerable watercourses and emergency fish rescue operations where necessary.
A formal consultation process has been initiated, with detailed proposal documentation made accessible at Farmoor Fishery and the Environment Agency’s regional offices at Crowmarsh Gifford near Wallingford.
The company stated that an application had been submitted concerning abstraction arrangements at its Farmoor site near Oxford.
Persistent dry weather throughout 2026 has produced reduced river flows and limited available water for extraction, while reservoir storage continues to diminish.
The proposed permit would effect a temporary modification to existing abstraction licence conditions, supporting continued public water supply resilience throughout the drought period.
Any permit issued would remain temporary and bound by conditions established by regulatory authorities, with the consultation period remaining open until September 23, 2026.
A drought permit constitutes a temporary authorisation issued by the Environment Agency enabling water companies to modify or suspend standard abstraction licence conditions, thereby permitting increased water withdrawal from natural sources.
No definitive conclusion date has been established for the current hosepipe prohibition.
The previous year’s similar restriction, which commenced on July 22, remained in effect until November 27.
Households found to be using hosepipes during a prohibition period face potential fines of up to £1,000, unless specific exemptions apply.