Millions of people across parts of London are now subject to an immediate hosepipe ban as soaring temperatures and prolonged dry weather continue to put pressure on water supplies. Water company Affinity Water has introduced the restrictions to help protect essential water resources, with several London postcodes among those affected.
The temporary ban comes after one of the hottest and driest starts to summer in recent years. Reservoir levels and groundwater supplies have fallen significantly following months of below average rainfall, while demand for water has surged as households attempt to keep gardens green, wash vehicles and fill paddling pools during the heatwave.
Which London postcodes are affected?
According to Affinity Water, the hosepipe ban applies to customers living in parts of north and west London supplied by the company. Areas include postcodes covering:
HA – Harrow
UB – Uxbridge
NW9 – Edgware
UB5 – Northolt
TW13/TW14 – Feltham and surrounding areas
Customers are advised to check directly with their water supplier if they are unsure whether their property falls within the restricted zone, as not every London postcode is supplied by the same company.
What can’t you do during the hosepipe ban?
Under the temporary restrictions, customers are prohibited from using a hosepipe for a range of non-essential activities, including:
Watering gardens and lawns
Filling paddling pools or swimming pools
Washing private vehicles
Cleaning patios, driveways and windows
Filling ornamental ponds or water features
However, certain exemptions remain in place. Hosepipes can still be used where necessary for medical reasons, the welfare of animals, or by eligible customers registered under priority assistance schemes. Rainwater collected in water butts can also still be used.
Why has the ban been introduced?
Affinity Water says the combination of exceptionally warm weather and prolonged dry conditions has placed unprecedented pressure on the region’s water network. Daily demand has risen sharply as temperatures continue to exceed 30°C across southern England.
Water companies have urged households to reduce unnecessary water use so supplies remain available for essential purposes while reservoir levels recover.
Although Thames Water, which supplies much of Greater London, has not introduced a formal hosepipe ban, it is strongly encouraging customers to avoid using hosepipes and sprinklers during periods of extreme heat to help reduce demand.
Heatwave continues across southern England
The restrictions come as the UK experiences another spell of exceptionally hot weather, with temperatures exceeding 34°C in some areas. The prolonged heat has increased pressure not only on water supplies but also on transport networks, healthcare services and emergency responders dealing with heat-related incidents.
Meteorologists say meaningful rainfall is still needed before water levels can recover fully, meaning the hosepipe ban is likely to remain in force until conditions improve. Water companies have not announced an end date, explaining that restrictions will only be lifted once demand falls and reservoirs return to healthier levels.
Residents are encouraged to conserve water wherever possible by using watering cans instead of hosepipes, taking shorter showers, repairing leaking taps and avoiding unnecessary outdoor water use.
With forecasts suggesting further warm weather in the coming weeks, officials say public cooperation will play a key role in helping maintain reliable water supplies across London and the South East until wetter conditions return.
