Overview
- Thames Water told customers on Wednesday that the temporary hosepipe ban first introduced in July will remain into autumn for roughly 16 million people across its region.
- The company says key reservoirs and groundwater are well below normal for the time of year, with its London reservoir at about 59% of capacity and Farmoor at about 75%, leaving supplies vulnerable.
- Rain in September produced some local river response but did not replenish groundwater or reservoirs enough to end the ban, and Thames Water says it needs significant, prolonged rainfall over coming weeks before lifting restrictions.
- Operational work has increased with the company fixing more than 1,000 leaks each week—around 20% above normal—and reporting more households finding and repairing leaks than last year.
- Thames Water is also negotiating a creditor rescue to avoid temporary nationalisation and campaigners are pressing for public control, a debate that could affect ownership and long-term investment in the water system.