Overview
- Thames Water announced on Wednesday that it will keep the temporary outdoor water-use ban in place for its region and extend it into autumn because supplies remain low.
- The utility said recent rainfall helped some river flows but did not restore reservoir levels, groundwater or soil moisture to normal amounts across the Thames catchment.
- Thames Water has increased its leakage work, fixing more than 1,000 leaks a week—about 20% above normal—and reported an 18% rise in customers finding and repairing their own leaks.
- The Met Office confirmed summer 2026 as the UK’s hottest on record and the National Drought Group reports almost three-quarters of England remain in drought, which slows recovery of underground water stores.
- Consumers should expect prolonged restrictions until weather delivers sustained, multi‑week rainfall and the company says continued household water savings and leak repairs will help protect supplies and the environment.