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Thames Water issues hosepipe ban despite rain forecast
The utility said demand is running 10% above normal and customers are using an extra 100 million litres a day.
- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Thames Water will implement a hosepipe ban across London and the South East, affecting 10.1 million customers and prohibiting non-essential outdoor water use.
- Exceptionally dry conditions and three heatwaves have pushed water demand 10% above normal in the Thames Valley and 7% higher in London, leaving the region one stage away from official drought status.
- The GMB Union labeled Thames Water "woeful," citing the utility's daily loss of 570.4 million litres through leaks, while customer complaints rose 77% last year amid infrastructure concerns.
- Director of Strategic Water Resources Nevil Muncaster stated the ban is necessary to "protect water supplies for everyone," prohibiting hosepipes for watering gardens, filling paddling pools, and washing vehicles.
- Thames Water is developing a "drought plan" to protect supplies and the environment, with teams working 24/7 to repair more than 750 leaks weekly while keeping restrictions under review.
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Hosepipe ban extended as hot weather set to continue
Uisce Éireann is extending its hosepipe ban nationwide, bringing every county under water restrictions from just after midnight on Friday as Ireland's prolonged spell of hot, dry weather continues to put drinking water supplies under pressure.
·Ireland
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Watford ObserverReposted by 
Herts Advertiser
Herts AdvertiserHerts hosepipe ban may last all summer and flouters could be fined - Affinity Water
Affinity Water has failed to rule out its hosepipe ban lasting all summer, and has also responded to calls for discounts amid usage restrictions.
·Watford, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources27
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Center
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources are Center
76% Center
14%
C 76%
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