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The UK may have had a wet few days, but it’s been a scorching summer. The third heatwave of summer 2025 saw temperatures peak at 34C over July 12-13 and, after Britain’s driest spring since 1893, all that hot weather hasn’t been good for the country’s water levels.
So, what comes with long periods of hot, dry weather? You guessed it – hosepipe bans. Water companies across England have already begun to implement hosepipe bans, impacting millions of Brits. And those bans are still in place, despite recent heavy rainfall.
Wondering if you’ve been hit (are about to be hit) by a hosepipe ban? Here’s what you need to know, including impacted areas, when restrictions are likely to end, and what the restrictions actually mean.
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Which parts of England have a hosepipe ban?
Yorkshire Water started a hosepipe ban on July 11, impacting five million customers who get water from the company. Yorkshire Water supplies West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire, part of North Lincolnshire, most of North Yorkshire and part of Derbyshire. The ban only impacts those who get their mains water supply from Yorkshire Water, not those who only have waste water managed by the company.
South East Water announced last Friday (July 11) that some of its customers would come under a hosepipe ban. Those restrictions came into force on July 18. However, not all of those supplied by South East Water are included in the ban – only those in Kent and Sussex are restricted. Southern Water customers in Kent and East/West Sussex are currently unaffected.
Thames Water announced a ban last Monday (July 14), saying that customers in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire will face restrictions from July 22. Postcodes OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8 and RG9 are impacted.
Southern Water has confirmed another set of restrictions. Residents across much of Hampshire and all of the Isle of Wight face a hosepipe ban, which began at 9am on Monday July 21.
When do the hosepipe bans start?
Here’s when each of the hosepipe bans either started or will start.
- Yorkshire Water’s restrictions began on July 11
- The ban by South East Water begins on July 18
- Southern Water’s restrictions took effect on July 21
- Thames Water’s hosepipe rules come into force on July 22
When will the hosepipe ban end?
None of Yorkshire Water, South East Water, Thames Water or Southern Water have specified when restrictions will be lifted.
South East Water says the ban will end ‘when we’re satisfied that both customer demand and water supply levels are restored to a point where they are not breaching our Drought plan’.
Yorkshire Water says its restrictions will be in place ‘until we receive significant rainfall, and our reservoir levels return to a situation much closer to normal’.
Thames Water has said it needs ‘prolonged and significant rainfall’ before the ban can be lifted, while Southern Water says restrictions will remain until there is ‘enough water in our reservoirs, rivers and underground aquifers to meet demand’.
What does a hosepipe ban mean?
A hosepipe ban is pretty much what it says on the tin: a ban on using hosepipes connected to a mains water supply. That means no using a hosepipe to water plants, fill or upkeep lakes and pools, and wash windows or cars.
You also cannot use pressure washers, spray guns or sprinklers.
Can you use a watering can during a hosepipe ban?
Yep, you can. Water companies encourage the use of a watering can during hosepipe bans.
Can you wash your car during a hosepipe ban?
You can, just not with a hosepipe. Time to get out the bucket and sponge.
Who is exempt from a hosepipe ban?
There are various exemptions for a hosepipe ban, including customers that are on a Priority Services Register. For Thames Water you can find out more here, Yorkshire Water here, South East Water here and Southern Water here.
It’s worth checking the list of exemptions for your water supplier – different companies have slightly different rules.
What is the penalty for using a hosepipe during the ban?
If you ignore the ban, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. Hosepipe bans are legally enforceable under the Water Industry Act 1991 and the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
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