England Hosepipe Bans Still Affect Around 30 Million

Technology & Science Desk 2026-10-16 09:15 2 min read

Sprinklers watering a lush green soccer pitch in an empty stadium in England.

Around 30 million people in England were affected by temporary water-use bans in the Environment Agency report updated on 25 September 2026. The restrictions had not changed from the previous week. Check your water supplier’s latest notice before relying on whether a ban applies to your address or what it covers.

The latest drought report covers 18–24 September

The Environment Agency’s weekly report says ten of its areas remained in drought status, and 14 reservoirs or reservoir groups were less than half full. It also lists water companies with temporary-use bans in all or part of their supply areas.

These figures describe conditions during 18–24 September. A drought designation and a temporary-use ban are separate measures: the agency’s status describes conditions in an area, while a supplier’s notice sets restrictions for customers it identifies. One does not automatically establish the other.

Check your supplier’s current notice

Start with the company that supplies your home. The report names affected suppliers and notes that bans may cover all or only part of a company’s area. A company-wide headline may therefore not tell you whether a specific property is included.

England Hosepipe Bans Still Affect Around 30 Million

Look up your supplier’s current temporary-use ban or restrictions page.
Check the notice’s effective dates and the locations or postcodes it covers.
Read the listed rules to see which activities are restricted and whether any exceptions apply.
If your address or activity is unclear, contact the supplier for confirmation.

The report includes companies such as Thames Water, Anglian Water and South East Water among those with bans in all or part of their supply areas. That listing is a starting point, not confirmation that every customer of those suppliers is restricted.

Follow the supplier’s rules for your address

Restrictions can differ by supplier and may change after the weekly report. Do not assume that a ban applies to your home based only on the national total, an agency drought status, or a neighbouring area’s rules. Use the latest supplier notice for the address and check it again if the supplier publishes a new update.

Source: Environment Agency

Context & actions About this article

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The figures reflect the Environment Agency’s report period of 18–24 September 2026; current restrictions should be checked with your water supplier.

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