Hosepipe Bans Begin for Millions in England as Temperatures Reach 35C for Sixth Day

Hosepipe bans came into force on July 11 in parts of the UK after the country recorded its sixth day of 2026 with temperatures at or above 35C. The previous record for such days stood at seven, set in 1976 and again in 2020. Anglian Water placed restrictions on more than five million customers across the East of England.

The company banned use of hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, or filling swimming and paddling pools from 1am on July 11. Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning for Anglian Water, said the year has been exceptionally hot and dry.

He noted the region is already in its third heatwave of the summer and that every day of sustained hot weather increases the challenge of balancing supply and demand.

The Environment Agency reported low or exceptionally low river flows, while reservoirs sit below typical levels for this time of year. GB News reported that officials have warned of increased drought risk in East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall. Southern Water will apply hosepipe bans to around one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight starting the weekend of July 11-12.

Affinity Water will implement a ban across its central region covering Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and parts of London. Demand in the Affinity Water central region has risen 20 per cent on average, with reduced supply from Grafham Water reservoir, which normally provides about 10 per cent of the region's water.

The company said the ban will stay in place until resources recover.

Cambridge Water introduced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers for the first time in three decades during the week of July 6-10. South East Water has maintained a ban since July 3 in parts of Kent including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden and Tunbridge Wells.