Map reveals where hosepipe ban will come into force for millions today – despite storms bringing MONTH'S worth of rain

The Sun

21-07-2025

A HOSEPIPE ban affecting millions will come into force today, despite heavy downpours across the weekend.
Scorching hot weather and extremely dry conditions this summer have led to a multitude of water companies implementing hosepipe bans, with anyone caught flouting the rules facing a £1,000 fine.
Yorkshire Water, the first company to announce a ban, has had restrictions in place since July 11, with customers in much of Yorkshire, parts of north Lincolnshire and parts of Derbyshire banned from using hosepipes to water plants or wash cars.
A ban affecting Kent and Sussex was then put in place on July 18, by South East Water.
From today, July 21, one million people living in the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, face restrictions, as Southern Water's hosepipe ban begins.
Restrictions will be brought in from 9 am, but other areas serviced by Southern Water, such as West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent won't be impacted.
Southern Water managing director Tim McMahon apologised to customers and said: "Only by working together can we make sure there's enough water to go around for customers and the environment."
And tomorrow, July 22, Swindon, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire will be placed under a ban by Thames Water.
All four water companies have yet to confirm end dates for the bans.
The restrictions have been put in place as the UK is battered with half a month's rainfall in 24 hours.
The Met Office has forecast "heavy showers and thunderstorms" for today, with flooding and power cuts likely.
Four weather warnings are in place across the country.
Met Office issues SIX new warnings as thunderstorms, hail & flash floods to strike huge swathe of UK
Much of the South East of England is covered by a yellow storm warning, covering large towns and cities such as Portsmouth, Brighton, and London.
Another yellow warning is in place for the Midlands, North and most of Scotland.
Half of Northern Ireland is either covered by a yellow warning or a more serious amber alert.
Are there exemptions to the ban?
Anyone found using a hosepipe during the ban will face a £1,000 fine.
Full list of areas with hosepipe bans
Yorkshire Water - a ban is in effect for all customers who get their water from the firm.
Thames Water - a ban is taking effect in these postcodes: OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8 and RG9 (Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire).
South East Water - a ban is taking effect for households in Kent and Sussex, but not those in Surrey, Hampshire or Berkshire with the firm.
Southern Water - Kent, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and East and West Sussex.
However, there are some loopholes to the ban, for example, people are allowed to water newly laid turf for a restricted period, typically 28 days, to establish roots and prevent it from drying out.
Or you can use a hosepipe for medical reasons such as if you need to fill a pool due to a disability or illness you have.
Blue badge holders are typically exempt from bans, as well as gardeners using approved drip or trickle irrigation systems fitted with pressure-reducing valves.
Anyone concerned about how their garden will cope during the ban should install a water butt, to collect rainwater in that can then be used for watering plants.
You can also use old pasta water or bath water for your garden.