Thames Water says hosepipe ban still in place for 16 million customers

Thames Water says hosepipe ban still in place for 16 million customers UK's biggest water company warns hosepipe ban will remain until there is "significant and prolonged rainfall" Thames Water has warned its 16 million customers that a hosepipe ban in place since July will remain for the foreseeable future. The company said recent rain has not been enough for water levels to recover in rivers, and reservoirs across its region, after one of the driest spring and summer periods on record. Customers across large swathes of England and Wales are still subject to hosepipe bans after the country endured drought conditions. Thames said “significant and prolonged rainfall over the coming weeks” was needed before it would consider lifting the ban. The update comes as the UK’s biggest water company battles to secure a rescue deal from its creditors that would avoid it falling into temporary nationalisation. Campaigners argue bringing the company under public control is the only solution to its financial crisis, along with the rest of the industry. Julie Morton, head of water resources at Thames Water said: “While the rainfall we have seen in September is very welcome, it has not been enough to overcome the impact of the prolonged dry weather we’ve experienced since spring. “Across our region, rainfall between March and August was less than half of what we would normally expect, and while some river levels have responded to recent rain, groundwater and soil moisture remain significantly below average. We will need significant and prolonged rainfall over the coming weeks to be able to consider lifting the restrictions that remain in place. “We know restrictions are frustrating and we’re grateful to customers for continuing to use water carefully. Every reduction in water use helps protect supplies for customers, communities and the environment.” Thames said its London reservoir was 59% full, which is below average 78% for the time of year. Its Farmoor Reservoir is 75% full, compared to the 93% it normally is at this time of year.