Thames Water will impose a hosepipe ban on 10.1 million customers from 12:01 AM on 24 July, as prolonged heat and scarce rainfall push much of England toward drought conditions.
The utility said demand is running 10% above normal in the Thames Valley and Home Counties and 7% higher in London, amounting to an extra 100 million litres drawn daily. Only 3% of the long-term average rainfall fell across England this month, following a record-hot June that saw temperatures reach 37.7°C in Norfolk. Across the country, 23 million people are now under or facing hosepipe restrictions, with eight regions classified in prolonged dry weather — one step short of official drought.
Separately, Thames Water's lenders are weighing a golden share for the government as part of a revised rescue deal for the financially strained company.