Thames Water announced the suspension of the hosepipe

Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban affecting 16 million people after an “unusually warm and dry spring”.

The restrictions mean that starting Thursday, hosepipes cannot be used to water yards or yards, clean cars, fill pools or swimming pools, or clean windows.

The water company says the region has seen 40% of average rainfall and more days above 34C than ever before this year.

Strategic Water Resources Director Neville Muncaster said: “We would not have taken this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment.”

The ban will apply to all customers supplied by Thames Water for drinking water and will come into effect from Thursday.

The company supplies water to 16 million customers in London, the Thames Valley and surrounding areas.

He said water use in the Thames Valley and Home Counties was 10% above normal and in London 7% above normal, adding up to 100 million liters of water every day.

Muncaster added: “Recent heat waves and very dry spring and summer have resulted in continued high demand. While there is enough water for essential uses, we need to reduce non-essential external demand to keep pipelines flowing.”

“Many customers have reduced their water usage and this support has made a difference. Thank you to everyone who has changed their daily habits.”

“Our teams are working 24/7 to keep water moving, fix water flows and support customers. We will closely assess the situation and lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.”