Thames Water keeps hosepipe ban as water levels remain low

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 12:33 · Archive

Thames Water has kept a hosepipe ban in place for Swindon and parts of Wiltshire despite recent rainfall. The temporary ban has been in effect since July 23, following the UK's hottest summer on record confirmed by the Met Office. The water company said the restrictions remain necessary because water levels in rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources are still low after one of the driest spring and summer periods recorded.

In September rainfall was only 58 per cent of the long-term average for the month. Thames Water said sustained rainfall over a period of weeks or months is required before it can consider lifting the restrictions. A company spokesperson said: 'While recent rainfall is welcome, sustained rainfall is still needed before restrictions can be lifted. These restrictions are in place to help protect water supplies, rivers and reservoirs during what has been an exceptionally dry period.'

Customers in the affected areas remain allowed to water plants with a watering can, use stored rainwater from a water butt, wash their car using a bucket and reuse household water on plants. Thames Water said it would continue to monitor water levels and update customers whenever there is a change.

How it is being reported

• Thames Water issues update on hosepipe ban as rainfall increasesThames Water has issued a new update on the hosepipe ban affecting Swindon and parts of Wiltshire.Gazette & Herald · 14 Oct, 12:02
• Thames Water issues update on hosepipe ban as rainfall increasesThames Water has issued a new update on the hosepipe ban affecting Swindon and parts of Wiltshire.Swindon Advertiser · 14 Oct, 12:02

In this story: Thames Water · Swindon · Wiltshire · Met Office

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