Thames Water has introduced a temporary restriction on the use of hosepipes, sprinklers and pressure washers after a period of little rainfall and sustained high demand for drinking water. The company, which supplies Henley and surrounding areas, says the measure is needed while reservoir and river levels recover.
What the ban covers — and what it does not
The company has asked customers to stop using hosepipes, domestic sprinklers and pressure washers for so-called non-essential purposes for the duration of the ban. Households are still permitted to use watering cans, buckets and water collected in water butts.
- Prohibited: hosepipes, sprinklers, pressure washers for non-essential tasks
- Allowed: watering cans, buckets and water butts
- Not affected: customers receiving only wastewater services from Thames Water
“We’ve been working around the clock to maintain water supplies, but we now need everyone’s help to reduce non-essential water use. We ask customers not to use a hosepipe, sprinkler or pressure washer during the hosepipe ban to save water.”
This intervention follows a similar step taken by South East Water, which announced its own hosepipe restrictions earlier in the week for areas where it is the primary supplier, including parts of Maidenhead.
Why the ban has been introduced
Thames Water cites a combination of prolonged dry conditions, very low recent rainfall and greater-than-normal consumption as the reasons for the restriction. The company says it has been working to maintain supplies but that collective action from customers is required to avoid more severe limitations.
The duration of the ban is linked to improvements in water availability: it will stay in place “until water levels recover”, the company says. No specific end date has been given.
What residents should do now
Households and small businesses should review their water use and switch to hand-watering methods where possible. Those with water butts should prioritise using stored rainwater for plants. Customers uncertain whether they are supplied with drinking water by Thames Water should check their bill or the supplier’s website to confirm whether the ban applies to them.
| Action | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Watering plants using a hosepipe | Not allowed |
| Using a watering can or bucket | Allowed |
| Operating a pressure washer | Not allowed |
Local residents are advised to follow the guidance to help preserve supplies while the region contends with dry conditions. The decision will be kept under review and further updates are expected should the company see significant changes in rainfall or demand patterns.
For more information, customers should consult Thames Water’s official channels for the latest guidance and any local updates affecting specific supply zones.
