More than 1.4 million South East Water customers in Kent and Sussex are now subject to a sprinkler and hosepipe ban.
The restrictions ban individuals from filling swimming pools and paddling pools, cleaning cars, windows, and patios, or watering their yards with hosepipes. Anyone who disobeys the rule faces a fine of up to £1,000.
It comes as Thames Water announced that it is introducing a hosepipe ban in several regions of England, which will take place on Tuesday, July 22.
The ban will be put into force across four counties - Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Berkshire - and will take effect in regions with postcodes beginning with OX, GL, SN, and RG4, RG8, RG9.
It follows the Environment Agency's designation of the Thames region as having a higher risk of drought under its Prolonged Dry Weather category.
The Temporary Use Ban (TUB) does not apply in areas where enterprises depend heavily on water. For instance, car washes and garden centres are exempt.
Yorkshire Water also currently has a hosepipe ban in place.
The TUB in these places will last “until there has been significant rainfall” in the area.
Yorkshire in particular has experienced both the driest and warmest spring on record for the region this year, receiving just 15cm of rainfall between February and June, less than half what is expected in an average year.
As a result of the lack of rainfall and the fact there has also been a higher water demand means the region’s reservoirs have been left at 55.8 per cent full - 26.1 per cent lower than they would normally be at this time of year.
The figures have left Yorkshire Water with no choice but to implement the ban, they said.
At the same time, South East Water said it had seen the highest levels of water usage so far as of June 30 – hitting 105 million litres of water a day more than the average for summer.
That level of use has put pressure on the water company heading into these periods of high temperatures.
But could we soon see London follow suit? Here is everything we know:
Will there be a hosepipe ban in London?
As it stands, it does not look like there will be a hosepipe ban in London. Although London is not subject to the ban, Thames Water is urging everyone in the area it serves to use water responsibly.
In May, London experienced below average rainfall in the Thames Catchment. At 23mm, it was only 42 per cent of what is normally expected.
What has Thames Water said?
Thames Water previously admitted that the water level is “under pressure” but has reiterated there are “currently no restrictions in place” for London.
However, they warned that while London is not currently considered to be in a drought, the risk was “increasing”.
They said: “June 2025 was England's warmest on record, and we also had a very dry spring. We're experiencing low rainfall and high demand for water while the sun shines. This means our reservoirs and groundwater sources are slower to refill.
“We're doing everything we can behind the scenes to protect supplies. This includes fixing leaks, managing our network, and preparing for all scenarios. Thank you for continuing to use water wisely - every small action really helps.”
The water group stated that they are urging Londoners to be considerate of the water intake they are using, saying: “From turning off the tap while brushing your teeth to using a watering can instead of a hose. Even small changes can make a difference.”
There are a number of water measuring points in the capital, which are mostly currently set as to be at a “normal” level.
Some areas of low level include Hampstead and the River Graveney. You can see the water levels and the trends of them here.
