Thames Valley, Temporary Ban On Hosepipe Use

A hosepipe ban will be in place from 22 July

From Tuesday 22 July, we’re bringing in a hosepipe ban (also known as a Temporary Use Ban) in parts of the Thames Valley. Affected postcodes include all of OX, all of GL and all of SN, plus RG4, RG8 and RG9 in our water supply area, as shown on the map below.

Why this is happening

This year, we had one of the warmest and driest springs in over a century. River and reservoir levels are now lower than normal for this time of year, and we’re now officially in the Environment Agency’s prolonged dry weather category.

A hosepipe ban can help protect the environment in our region and keep water flowing for everyone.

At the moment, restrictions only apply to the area supplied by Farmoor Reservoir. This is because the reservoir fills from the River Thames, and levels could drop very quickly without more rain.

What this means for you

You can see the restrictions opposite, along with exceptions.

Please don’t use hosepipes for watering gardens, filling paddling/ swimming pools, or for cleaning vehicles, windows, and patios. The ban also applies to sprinklers and jet washers.

What we’re doing

Leakage is at its lowest ever level since records began, but we’re not stopping there. We’re fixing 650 leaks every week, targeting the biggest leaks first. We’re also rolling out smart devices across our region to help find leaks.

Limited mobility or on our priority services register?

If you have limited mobility or are on our priority services register under certain circumstances, the ban may not apply to you. Please read the exceptions list and steps opposite. If you’re not on the register, you can sign up at thameswater.co.uk/extraCare

Every drop counts more than ever before.

Find out more at thameswater.co.uk/water-restrictions

Can’t get online? Please call our drought helpline on 0800 072 1083

WATER INDUSTRY ACT 1991

TEMPORARY BAN ON WATER USE WITHIN PART OF THE THAMES WATER SUPPLY AREA

Thames Water Utilities Limited

Thames Water Utilities Limited ("Thames Water") gives notice that, pursuant to powers contained in sections 76 and 76A of the Water Industry Act 1991 ("the Act"), the following uses of water supplied by Thames Water, including water supplied by Thames Water but billed by another water supplier on behalf of Thames Water, are prohibited.

The prohibition will start at 00:01 BST on Tuesday the 22nd of July 2025 and will continue until further notice. The prohibition applies to the following postcode areas in so far as they fall within the Thames Water supply area: OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8 and RG9 as illustrated in blue on the map above.

Thank you for your support at this important time.

For more information and the FAQs concerning the prohibitions, current drought and water efficiency services, please visit the website of Thames Water here:

thameswater.co.uk/water-restrictions

Prohibited Uses

The following uses are prohibited:

1. Watering a garden using a hosepipe;

2. Cleaning a private motor vehicle (and trailers) using a hosepipe;

3. Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe;

4. Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe;

5. Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool;

6. Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use;

7. Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe;

8. Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain;

9. Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe;

10. Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe;

11. Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.

Exemptions

The following uses are excepted from the prohibitions. Those who meet the requirements below can continue to use water without having to make representations to Thames Water to receive permission.

Using water, it is requested that everyone uses water wisely and adapts water efficient practices.

1. Health and Safety: Using a hosepipe to:

   a) water garden, to prevent or control the spread of disease or pests;

   b) clean the walls and windows of domestic premises, (i) to clean paths or patios, (ii) to clean other artificial outdoor surfaces, to: (i) clean walls and windows of domestic premises, (ii) clean paths or patios and (iii) clean other artificial outdoor surfaces.

   Note: activities are permitted only if related to removing or minimising risk to human or animal health or safety and processing or controlling the spread of causative agents of disease. Please note that this does not include the aesthetic presentation of the garden, paths or patios.

2. Using a hosepipe to water:

   a) a garden or plants that are (a) grown for sale or commercial use, or

   b) that are part of a National Plant Collection or temporary garden flower display.

3. Using a hosepipe to clean any area of a vehicle used, except for:

   a) window, mirrors, number plates and lights;

4. Filling or maintaining a pool where necessary in the course of its construction;

5. Filling or maintaining a pool in which fish or other aquatic animals are being reared or kept in captivity;

6. Filling or maintaining a pool that is designed, constructed or adapted for use in the course of a programme of medical treatment;

7. Filling or maintaining a pool that is used for the purpose of decontaminating animals from infections or disease;

8. Filling or maintaining a pool in the course of a programme of veterinary treatment;

9. Filling or maintaining a pool in which fish or other aquatic animals are being reared or kept in captivity;

10. Filling or maintaining a pool that is:

    a) designed, constructed or adapted for use by individuals with a disability;

    b) used for the purpose of decontaminating animals from infections or disease;

11. Using a hosepipe to water a garden which is in an area where a hosepipe ban is not in force;

12. Using a hosepipe for filling a water tank in a caravan or motorhome where the water is used to be used for washing, cooking or sanitation purposes;

13. Using a hosepipe to fill a swimming pool, paddling pool, hot tub, swim spa or exercise pool that is filled from empty after construction or significant repair. (In this case refill within the hosepipe exemption is treated as a subsequent filling. This single significant refurbishment should be treated as exempt from the restrictions.)

14. Using a hosepipe to water food crops at domestic premises or private allotments, where this is necessary in the course of a watering plan.

Customers on the priority services register

This exemption applies to customers:

• who are disabled or seriously ill;

• who require oxygen;

• who have a medical condition or are on customised medication;

• who are undergoing renal dialysis;

• who use a stair lift;

• who are unable to use hot water, or electric bed;

• who are unable to use stairs;

• with a mental health condition;

• with an additional cognitive impairment;

• with complex needs;

• who are recovering from hospital treatment;

The following definitions apply:

“Using a hosepipe” in relation to a purpose listed in the prohibitions includes drawing relevant water supplied by Thames Water through a hosepipe (including any apparatus designed, adapted or used to serve the same purpose as a hosepipe).

“Garden” includes any part of premises on which there is a lawn, a grass verge, an area of grass used for sport or recreation and also includes any area on which there are laid out plants (including flowers, shrubs, trees, grass or any other foliage).

“Domestic” in relation to a swimming pool, paddling pool or ornamental fountain includes a pool or fountain (a) in the garden of a dwelling or (b) in any other place if the use of the pool or fountain is not in the course of business.

“Private motor vehicle” does not include (a) a public service vehicle, as defined in section 1 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, or (b) a goods vehicle.

Representations

Any written representations objecting to any of these prohibitions must be made by 23:59 BST on the 20th of July 2025 to Thames Water by:

• completing the online form at thameswater.co.uk/water-restrictions or by

• calling 0800 072 1083; or

• writing to: Thames Water, PO Box 45, Swindon SN38 1TU.

Thames Water will publish notice of its decision whether to vary any terms of the prohibitions. Subject to that, this prohibition will be in force from 00:01 BST on Tuesday the 22nd of July 2025 and will remain in force until further notice.

Penalties

Any person who contravenes any of these prohibitions may be guilty of an offence, and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000.