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A ban on the use of hosepipes in certain parts of southern England has been put into effect by Thames Water, affecting around 1.1 million residents. The ban covers areas in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Wiltshire, and will be enforced starting from 22 July due to a combination of low rainfall and increased water demand. This restriction prohibits the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, and filling paddling pools, with a potential fine of up to £1,000 for violators.
The ban does not apply to businesses where hosepipe use is essential, like garden centers and car washes, but Thames Water urges all residents in the region to be cautious about their water consumption. As the Environment Agency declares a state of prolonged dry weather in parts of Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Surrey, water stocks in the Thames Valley continue to decline. According to Thames Water, the prolonged heatwave has led to a surge in water usage, with customers using up to 30% more water when temperatures rise above 25C.
Nevil Muncaster, Thames Water’s strategic water resources director, expressed little hope for improvement in the near future and emphasized the need for immediate action. He highlighted the challenges faced during the hot and dry season, which have caused spikes in water demand and minimal rainfall for replenishing local water supplies. With hosepipe bans already in place for customers of Yorkshire and South East Water, affecting millions of people, Thames Water encourages everyone, both within and outside the ban area, to conserve water by implementing simple measures such as reducing shower times and refraining from watering lawns unnecessarily.
Despite criticism from the GMB Union over the hosepipe ban, citing Thames Water’s significant water leakage, the water company defended its actions. It stated that their leakage levels are currently at an all-time low, attributing the improvement to advanced technology like acoustic loggers and smart meters, which help in detecting and fixing leaks more efficiently. Thames Water claims to be addressing around 650 leaks per week, prioritizing those that have the most significant impact on local water supplies
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