How to water your garden during a hosepipe ban and will there be drought this summer?

Millions of people in southern England are now facing restrictions on using hosepipes after extended periods of very hot weather and less rain. On Tuesday, Thames Water, which is Britain's largest water company, announced a ban that would start on Thursday. The Guardian is answering common questions about what these restrictions mean for everyone.

Water companies introduce hosepipe bans to conserve water when supplies become critically low. These bans are put in place when the water levels in reservoirs and rivers drop below a specific point. Anglian Water explained that river levels in its region are significantly below normal, with some rivers at very low levels. Reservoir storage is also lower than usual for this time of year.

Thames Water reported that water usage in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas, as well as in London, was higher than average. This follows similar reports from other water companies that have seen increased usage during recent record-breaking heatwaves. These high demands put a strain on water resources.

Currently, over 20 million households are affected by hosepipe bans, covering large areas of south and south-east England, and some parts of Wales. Several water companies, including Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, South East Water, Southern Water, Thames Water, and Welsh Water, have implemented or announced such bans.

The legal framework for hosepipe bans comes from the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. This act gives water companies the legal right to enforce these restrictions on domestic users during times of water shortage. The ban prohibits the use of a hosepipe for non-essential tasks, such as watering gardens with sprinklers, filling private swimming pools or hot tubs, or washing cars and windows.

Despite the ban, people can still water their gardens using a watering can filled from a tap. Recycled water from baths or dishwashing, and water collected in water butts from rain, can also be used. These methods help conserve tap water for essential needs.

Breaking a hosepipe ban is considered a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. However, there are specific exceptions. For instance, people who have recently laid new turf can use a hose to water it for up to 28 days. Similarly, newly planted trees, hedges, and saplings, or plants purchased within the last 14 days, can be watered with a hose. Additional exemptions exist for animal welfare, health and safety, and religious customs.

The possibility of drought conditions this summer remains. Although no areas are currently officially in drought, conditions are favourable for it to develop. Eight regions in England are experiencing prolonged dry weather, which is the stage preceding a drought declaration. June 2026 was recorded as the hottest June ever in England, with temperatures reaching 37.7C. July has also seen high temperatures, breaking records for consecutive days above 30C, and half of the summer season is still to come. Rainfall has been minimal, with only 3% of the long-term average falling across England in July.

In response to water shortages, the government and water companies launched a public campaign called Let’s Save Water. This initiative encourages the public to reduce their daily water consumption by 28 litres. Currently, Britons use around 140 litres per day, which is among the highest water usage rates in Europe. Critics argue that the lack of investment in the country's water infrastructure is a significant issue. Research indicates that water pipes in England and Wales leak substantial amounts of water, potentially more than what a nationwide hosepipe ban would save.