Pleas to 'use water wisely' to avoid hosepipe ban

Water companies in south-east England are advising customers to think about their water use after spells of dry weather.

The Environment Agency warned in May that, although there was not currently a drought in England, there was a "medium risk of one this summer".

Southern Water, SES Water, and Affinity Water told the BBC they do not expect to introduce water use restrictions, such as hosepipe bans, in 2025.

But Thames Water warned further dry weather "could be challenging" and South East Water said its supplies were "in a healthy position" but beginning to fall.

The UK is on course for its driest spring in over a century and April 2025 was the sunniest on record.

Farmers are warning they could see reduced yields at their next harvest due to exceptionally dry weather.

Southern Water's managing director for water, Tim McMahon, said "drought conditions would be likely" unless there were "significant periods of rain over the next three months".

"We have long-term plans for new sources of water to combat the significant challenge of water scarcity in the region," he said, "but right now, we must all work together to keep our taps running."

South East Water's head of water resources, Nick Price, said recent warm and dry weather saw "demand for water increase to the highest levels we have ever seen for this time of year".

According to Thames Water, its groundwater levels remain above average but river flow levels in its catchment area, which account for 70% of the company's supply, are below average.

Thames Water figures show its catchment area saw only 42% of the long-term average rainfall in April.

Although resources are currently "healthy", the company was "encouraging customers to always use water wisely," its spokesperson said.

SES Water said it was "ready for summer" and its resources were "in a very strong position".

"The one thing none of us can control is the weather and we know demand for water rises in warmer months, so everyone should keep using water wisely," the company added.

Affinity Water said: "We're not introducing any water restrictions right now, such as hosepipe bans, and based on current conditions, we don't expect to."

The water companies said customers could save water by using watering cans instead of a hose and by taking shorter showers.

Parts of the South East saw hosepipe bans in 2022 and in 2023.

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