Helping us, help you - water saving tips to help keep your water flowing

Across the Thames Water area

Last updated: 21 July, 9:40am

Continuing to protect water supplies in your area

The current spell of hot, dry weather continues across much of the UK, with little or no significant rainfall forecast for at least another week. Across many parts of England, less than 20% of the average July rainfall has fallen so far this month, with some areas receiving virtually no measurable rain at all.

Some locations in southern England have now gone more than three weeks without measurable rainfall, including 27 consecutive days in Surrey and 21 days at Heathrow, highlighting just how dry conditions have become.

At the same time, the UK has experienced one of its hottest summers on record. This year has already seen:

A new UK June temperature record of 37.7°C.

A record six days reaching 35°C or above, surpassing the previous record set in 1976.

A record nine days reaching 34°C or above.

The first year on record where temperatures of 35°C or higher have been recorded in May, June and July.

These prolonged hot and dry conditions mean people naturally use much more water. As a result, demand across our region remains exceptionally high, placing increased pressure on reservoir storage and the water network.

Our teams are working around the clock to keep water flowing by repairing leaks, moving water around the network and carefully managing storage levels. You may also see water tankers operating in your area as we move additional supplies to where they're needed most.

Thank you to everyone who has already reduced their water use over the past few weeks. Your support is making a real difference and helping us maintain supplies during this extended period of exceptional demand.

We're continuing to support customers registered on our Priority Services Register with bottled water deliveries being made to water dependent customers. At the same time, we're contacting customers in the highest demand areas through SMS, email and social media with practical water-saving advice.

While our network remains resilient overall, some customers in the Thames Valley and Home Counties may experience lower water pressure during the busiest parts of the day. With the hot, dry weather expected to continue, we'd really appreciate your continued support in using water wisely.

How you can help

Please stop using hoses and sprinklers - a temporary hosepipe ban is now place

Delay washing vehicles until the hot weather has passed.

Water plants using a watering can instead of a hose.

Turn off taps when they're not in use.

Fix or report leaking taps and pipes where possible.

Only use the water you need and avoid unnecessary waste.

Every drop saved helps protect water supplies for your community while this prolonged period of exceptionally hot and dry weather continues.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

For more advice please visit our website for Water Saving and Water Saving Rewards