Hosepipe ban map: Where restrictions are in place ahead of another UK heatwave this weekend
As temperatures continue to rise following a record-breaking heatwave in June, two water companies in England are introducing a hose ban.
Households across the country have been advised to limit their use, while some companies are asking customers to halt hose activity as much as possible, barring a complete ban.
South East Water has reintroduced an official temporary hose use ban covering most of the Kent area from Friday 3 July. It comes just a week after the county implemented one during the June heat wave.
Southern Water also confirmed there will be a hose ban for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from Friday 10 July.
The Met Office warned that the third heatwave of the year could be expected next week, but added that it would not be as “hot or humid… and not as impactful” as last month’s event.
The weather authority has confirmed it was the hottest June on record for the UK; The highest temperature was provisionally set at Lingwood, Norfolk, on 26 June, where the temperature rose to 37.7°C. The previous record was set in Southampton in June 1976 with 35.6 degrees.
A tornado ban is different from an advisory announcement. Anyone caught breaking an official ban can be fined up to £1,000.
Others asked customers to limit their use during extreme heat.
Thames Water, which serves Greater London, advises: “At times we use water faster than we can deliver it through our network.
“Reducing your use at home, especially outside, will make the biggest difference. That’s why we ask our customers not to use hoses or sprinklers during heatwaves.”
Meanwhile, Affinity Water, which serves local counties including Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, writes to customers online: “You can help your community by using less, which will make a big difference, meaning there’s more to go around.”
Several yellow heat health alerts have been put in place by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), lasting until Saturday 11 July and covering the Midlands and East of England, London and the south.
While the heat is expected to be less severe than the heatwave in June, it will continue to pose health risks and challenges for water companies still recovering from the impact of the event.
All households have been asked to limit water use during heatwaves. Helen Wakeham, chair of the National Drought Group and the Environment Agency’s water director, said in June: “We enter the summer in a generally positive position, but we can never become complacent ahead of these critical dry months.
“Heat waves will continue to be a concern as they can cause sudden increases in water demand, so we need to continue to work collaboratively to use our limited water wisely.
“While many of us are enjoying the warm weather, we’re asking everyone to be mindful of their water use. Every drop saved leaves more available space for farmers, our local rivers and wildlife.”
