Thames Water is planning to announce a hosepipe ban “in the coming weeks” in the face of the long-term forecast of dry weather and hot temperatures this week, the company said.
A spokesperson for the water company said: “Given the long-term forecast of dry weather and another forecast of very hot temperatures coming this week, we are planning to announce a temporary use ban in the coming weeks.
“We have written to the Environment Agency to update them on our approach and informed Ofwat.
“The timing is not confirmed due to a number of operational and legal procedural requirements but we will be updating our customers, partners, regulators and stakeholders at the earliest time to ensure a co-ordinated approach.
“In the meantime, we continue to urge our customers to only use what they need for their essential use.”
It comes after Southern Water announced a hosepipe ban for customers in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, while the measure will also be brought in for South East Water customers in Kent and Sussex.
Earlier today, the Met Office issued a four-day amber warning for extreme temperatures in parts of England and Wales as a new heatwave looms.
The warning, for Thursday to Sunday, comes as the forecaster predicted 35C in places or even an “isolated” 36C – below last month’s record temperatures, which peaked above 40C in some spots.
The vulnerable are likely to experience adverse health affects, while the wider population could also be affected, the alert said.
Delays to travel are possible and there is an increased risk of water accidents and fires as more people visit coasts and beauty spots, the Met Office also warned.
The UK Health Security Agency already issued an amber alert covering southern and central England from noon on Tuesday until 6pm on Saturday, with experts advising people to look out for those who are older or with existing health conditions, as well as young children.
The Met Office said temperatures will likely rise into the low to mid-30s in the warning area.
Outside the warning area, heatwave thresholds – which are met at different temperatures in different parts of the country – are still likely to be met for much of the UK, with temperatures widely into the high 20s and a chance of a few spots seeing temperatures into the low 30s.
Thames Water are planning to announce a hosepipe ban
Yui Mok
Temperatures are expected to soar later this week
Kirsty O'Connor
