Anglian Water’s decision to introduce a temporary hosepipe ban following weeks of hot, dry weather and record demand for water has raised questions about whether similar restrictions could be introduced closer to home.
While the measures do not currently affect Oxfordshire, the move has prompted renewed focus on the pressure facing water supplies and whether Thames Water customers could face restrictions if dry conditions continue through the summer.
The temporary use ban (TUB), which will come into force from 1.01am on Saturday 11 July, affects domestic customers across Anglian Water’s region and restricts the use of hosepipes for activities including watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning patios and filling swimming pools.
Anglian Water said the decision followed weeks of exceptionally dry conditions, three successive heatwaves and record demand for water.
The company said its teams are currently producing around 30% more water than usual, but demand remains higher than the amount being naturally replenished through rivers, groundwater sources and reservoirs.
While the restrictions do not apply to Oxfordshire, the announcement has prompted questions over whether Thames Water customers could face similar measures if dry conditions continue.
Could Thames Water introduce a hosepipe ban?
There is currently no hosepipe ban in place for Oxfordshire.
The county was among areas affected by Thames Water’s temporary use ban in 2025, when restrictions were introduced following prolonged dry weather and pressure on water resources.
A decision to introduce restrictions would depend on a range of factors, including rainfall levels, reservoir storage, river flows and customer demand.
Water companies typically introduce temporary use bans when reducing non-essential water use is considered necessary to protect supplies and the environment.
Why are water companies concerned?
Anglian Water said the East of England is the driest region in the UK and is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
The company said river levels across its region are currently below normal, with some rivers reaching notably or exceptionally low levels, while reservoir storage is lower than expected for the time of year.
The situation highlights wider concerns about water resilience following an unusually dry spring and repeated periods of extreme heat.
What would a hosepipe ban mean for Oxfordshire residents?
If Thames Water were to introduce restrictions, households could face limits on non-essential outdoor water use, including:
- Using a hosepipe to water gardens
- Washing cars
- Cleaning patios and driveways
- Filling swimming pools or hot tubs
- Using sprinklers
Essential household uses such as drinking, cooking, washing and hygiene would not be affected.
What can residents do now?
Even without restrictions, water companies encourage households to reduce unnecessary water use during periods of hot weather.
Simple steps include using watering cans instead of hoses, collecting rainwater in water butts, avoiding unnecessary lawn watering and using water efficiently during warmer periods.
For now, Oxfordshire residents can continue using hosepipes as normal — but Anglian Water’s announcement serves as a reminder that pressure on water supplies is increasing across parts of England.
