Important information in your area
Bristol Water
Information on Bristol Water’s recent publication about water leakage can be found here.
Essex & Suffolk Water
What's the latest?
Despite reservoir levels being lower than they would normally be at this time of year and an increase in demand for water, there is currently no temporary usage ban in place in the region. However, Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW) continue to monitor the situation closely.
How will this affect us?
For businesses in Essex and London Boroughs, now is the time to use water wisely, minimise usage where you can, refrain from non-essential water usage, and report leaks.
Check your business customer water efficiency website page.
Southern Water and South East Water
We are currently experiencing one of the driest years on record, which means taking extra care with already depleted water resources.
What’s the latest?
- Southern Water have introduced temporary hosepipe restrictions in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
- Southern Water currently have no restrictions in place in Sussex and Kent, and have no plans to introduce any
- South East Water have introduced temporary restrictions in Sussex and Kent.
- South East Water currently have no restrictions in place in Hampshire, but may introduce them at a later date
How will this affect us?
Although restrictions mainly impact household customers, Southern Water are asking local businesses to support their local area by using water wisely.
If water reserves don’t recover, restrictions on commercial water use could be introduced via a Drought Order. This would impose measures including a temporary ban on using hosepipes to water plants or clean vehicles, as well as on cleaning windows.
Essential and commercial uses for water, for example using water for commercial window cleaners and mechanical car washes, or businesses that need water as part of their operations like pharmaceutical companies and zoos, will not be impacted.
What can we do as a business to help?
You can do your bit by not using a hosepipe or sprinkler for any activity including:
- The upkeep of grounds of public service buildings
- To fill or maintain an ornamental fountain, watering gardens or cleaning paths and patios
- Washing taxis and minicabs as these are classed as private vehicles
South West Water
What's the latest?
South West Water (SSW) has announced a temporary usage (hosepipe) ban for household customers. In the South West, most drinking water comes from rivers and reservoirs, and those levels across the region are currently much lower than usual for this time of year. There has also been a huge increase in demand for water this summer.
The ban will be lifted when demand has lowered and reservoir levels return to normal.
How will this affect us?
Although the temporary use ban does not apply to businesses, please be mindful of the water resource challenges that we are all facing and play your part by saving water wherever possible.
For more information, view the 'Q&As for business customers'.
Thames Water
What’s the latest?
Thames Water have introduced a temporary use ban (also known as a hosepipe ban) across their supply area. After the driest July on record, and below average rainfall in 10 of the last 12 months, water levels in the region’s rivers and reservoirs are much lower than usual. The recent heatwaves mean that demand for water is also at record levels.
How will this affect us?
Although the ban is aimed mainly at reducing domestic water usage, businesses are also affected.
The ban covers activities such as using hosepipes or sprinklers to water lawns, parks and sports pitches, washing vehicles and filling ornamental ponds.
Wessex Water
What’s the latest?
Groundwater and reservoir levels are below average, as expected at this time of year, but Wessex Water has no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban.
Around 75% of the water supplied is from groundwater sources, with 25% of water coming from reservoirs. This contrasts with the national picture where only about 30% comes from groundwater.
Groundwater is more resilient so, providing 80% of normal winter rain, there will not be any issues next year.
Wessex Water has therefore been able to maintain supplies for customers, while also protecting the environment.
What can we do as a business to help?
Please continue to use water responsibly for the benefit of everyone and the environment. To help, here’s some water saving tips.
Yorkshire Water
What’s the latest?
Yorkshire water has introduced a Temporary Use Ban due to low reservoir stocks and river levels. In mid-August, Yorkshire was officially declared in drought by the Environment Agency.
How will this affect us?
As a business, you can still use a hosepipe for essential commercial needs. You can use hosepipes and sprinklers where it is directly related to your day-to-day business excluding the watering of gardens.
If it’s not essential, you must follow the restrictions in place. Using a hosepipe to clean a path outside your business property, for example, would be covered by the ban unless it’s for a Health and Safety reason.