Thames Water hosepipe ban to continue despite storms amid 100-day drought

HomeEnvironmentThames Water hosepipe ban to continue despite storms amid 100-day drought

Thames Water hosepipe ban to continue despite storms amid 100-day drought

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The hosepipe restrictions imposed by Thames Water across a customer base of millions will continue, according to the company.

The decision follows 100 days of drought conditions in the Thames Valley.

During this period, the region experienced an exceptionally difficult summer, including record-breaking dry weather and five heatwaves that placed considerable pressure on available water supplies.

Although recent rainfall has provided some relief, officials said the prolonged drought and parched ground will take time to recover.

The forecast for the first half of November is also relatively dry, leaving the company dependent on prolonged autumn and winter rainfall to restore reserves before next spring and summer.

Oxfordshire was severely affected by Storm Austen in late October, when powerful winds resulted in road closures and cancelled services.

The combined effects of Austen and the subsequent Storm Boelo also led to sewage being discharged into a number of waterways in the area.

Thames Water reported that only 194mm of rain fell throughout its region between March and September, representing less than half the long-term average.

Farmoor Reservoir, close to Oxford, was 76 per cent full when the company announced that restrictions would remain in force.

A comparable ban introduced by Thames Water last year continued for 128 days, having begun on July 22 and lasting until November 27.

The current restrictions have been active for 72 days since being introduced on August 26 and were described as the 2026 ban.

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