Thames Water is implementing a hosepipe ban in the regions of Swindon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Wiltshire. This decision follows the classification of the Thames area by the Environment Agency as experiencing Prolonged Dry Weather, indicating an increased risk of drought.
The Temporary Use Ban, applicable to areas with postcodes beginning with OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8, and RG9, will be enforced from one minute past midnight on Tuesday 22 July.
Residents in the affected areas are urged not to use hosepipes for activities such as car washing, garden watering, filling pools, or window cleaning. However, businesses where water usage is essential, like garden centers and car washes, are exempt from the ban.
Although the ban currently excludes London, Thames Water encourages all customers within its service region to be conscious of their water consumption. This precaution comes after an unusually dry spring and the hottest June on record in England.
Nevil Muncaster, strategic water resources director at Thames Water, expressed the challenges faced due to high water demand during hot, dry periods and minimal rainfall to replenish local sources in the Thames Valley. He emphasized the importance of balancing water conservation with meeting the needs of customers and safeguarding the environment.
Muncaster stated, «We have made the difficult decision to implement a hosepipe ban to ensure a sufficient water supply for essential use and protect our rivers. While this restriction affects specific areas, we appreciate the support of our customers in reducing water consumption by adopting practices like shorter showers and limiting outdoor water usage.»
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