Important Update: Hosepipe Ban from 22 July

While we fully support sensible water-saving measures, we will also be challenging Thames Water on their failure to invest

Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban from 00:01 on 22 July 2025 for areas including Swindon and North Wiltshire. This follows one of the driest springs on record, coupled with significant water loss from outdated infrastructure. You can read the full update here:

https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-supply-and-drought-update

What residents need to know:

This Temporary Use Ban restricts activities such as watering gardens, washing vehicles, and filling paddling pools using hosepipes.

However, there are important exemptions, including:

▶️ Anyone registered on the Thames Water Priority Services Register, such as those with medical needs or mobility difficulties

▶️ Essential business activities and food production

➡️ Allotments and gardens growing food for consumption

If you think you meet one of these categories, please check full details here:

https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-supply-and-drought-update/hosepipe-ban-faqs

Our position:

While we fully support sensible water-saving measures, we will also be challenging Thames Water on their failure to invest properly in modern infrastructure. Burst mains, leaking pipes, and outdated systems have plagued communities like ours for too long. Residents are asked to conserve water, but we expect Thames Water to meet their obligations to upgrade and repair the network.

We will be pressing for long-term solutions to ensure residents are not continually punished for failures outside their control.

We encourage anyone not yet on the Priority Services Register to apply if eligible.

thameswater.co.uk/help/extra-support/priority-services

We will provide further updates in due course.

Alex Hughes