Eight areas of England at risk of drought - as Thames Water announces hosepipe ban for millions

Britain's biggest water company has announced a hosepipe ban for more than 10 million people - as the Environment Agency warned much of England is at risk of drought.

Thames Water said the new restrictions will come into effect from 23 July, but that customers in the affected areas should abide by the new rules straight away.

Households have been told not to use hosepipes for non-essential uses, such as watering gardens, cleaning cars, filling up paddling pools or topping up hot tubs.

The decision follows recent periods of record hot weather and increased demand.

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency's National Drought Group said parts of southern, central and eastern England have moved closer to drought status, classified as under "prolonged dry weather".

The third heatwave of the year has seen ponds and wetlands dry out, which will impact bird breeding, while some rivers have dried up in places, the EA said.

Wildfires have ripped through several areas, including dozens of delicate protected sites, and prime agricultural land, it added.

Eight areas across England are in "prolonged dry weather" - the stage before drought.

They are:

• East Anglia
• West Midlands
• Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
• Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire
• Hertfordshire and London
• Wessex
• Thames
• Solent and the South Downs

'Only 40% of average spring rainfall'

Thames Water said demand was currently around 10% above normal levels across the Thames Valley and Home Counties and 7% above normal in London.

In addition, it said the Thames Water region had only received 40% of average spring rainfall this year - with none so far in July within the Thames catchment area.

It is the latest in a string of hosepipe bans.

Bans are also in place for Southern Water customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Cambridge Water customers, Affinity Water customers in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Anglian Water customers in the East of England.

Met Office figures show that central and South East England have seen the longest unbroken spell of no recorded rainfall this century.

The forecaster warned that during peak periods, water had been used faster than it could be treated and moved through parts of the network, straining local supplies.

Read more on Sky News: What is a 'firewave'?

'Difficult combination' of hot and dry weather

After Thames Water announced the latest hosepipe ban, Helen Wakeham, chair of the National Drought Group, said the hot conditions and lack of rain have made for a "difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use".

"All sectors are taking action," she said, "and we are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to make sure there is enough water for everyone this summer.

"We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture."

'Customers using an extra 100 million litres every day'

Thames Water said earlier that customers were using an extra 100 million litres every day - equivalent to adding all the homes in Manchester to the network.

On Monday, South East Water said more than two million people face a hosepipe ban after it extended water restrictions.

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As well as pushing up demand as people consume more water, periods of hot weather can also lead to physical pressure on underground water pipes, leading to higher rates or bursts and leaks.

Thames Water stressed that it was repairing more than 750 leaks every week and continuing its biggest network upgrade in 150 years.

While the company said it plans for periods of dry weather and increased summer demand, it claimed the scale and duration of recent demand is having a "significant impact" on water resources.

(c) Sky News 2026: Eight areas of England at risk of drought - as Thames Water announces hosepipe ban for millions