List of UK areas with hosepipe bans and when restrictions will lift

Millions of people are set to face hosepipe and sprinkler restrictions amidst sweltering weather across the UK. Specific water firm customers will not be allowed to use hoses for anything from gardening to filling up paddling pools, as temperatures are forecast to peak at 34.7 °C in England.

Although South East Water will enforce its hosepipe ban on July 18, Yorkshire Water imposed its rules from yesterday (July 11). Both firms warned that reservoirs had struggled amidst the driest spring in over a century, while demand for water has only surged.

Last night, Yorkshire Water explained: "While we’re out 24/7 fixing leaks and looking after your water, we’re asking customers to put down their hosepipes, so we can let our reservoirs recover. Our reservoir levels haven’t actually increased since the last week of January!

"Normally our groundwater sources and reservoirs get topped up over spring when the weather is changeable but this year we’ve had the driest spring on record and Yorkshire is officially in drought. The hosepipe restrictions allow us to apply for drought permits, so we can change how we’re operating and further protect water supplies."

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Spokespeople at South East Water similarly echoed: "With the ongoing dry weather and high temperatures, we’re all using far more water than usual at home, meaning that we’re pumping much more drinking water to customer taps than normal. Met Office reports show this has been the driest spring in the region since 1893.

"We’ve tried everything possible to avoid these restrictions. Despite your help to save water, and our ongoing efforts to manage our water resources, including launching a comprehensive strategy to find and tackle leaks, our reservoir and underground water storage levels are really low."

South East Water's hosepipe ban will apply to anyone living in Kent and Sussex, including residents of major cities like Canterbury. Although restrictions do not currently cover Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, the firm said it will continually monitor these regions.

Residents of areas such as Farnham, Basingstoke and Windsor are consequently encouraged to reduce water use in the mornings and evenings to 'prevent low pressure issues at peak times'. South East Water stressed that restrictions will be lifted when it is 'satisfied that both customer demand and water supply levels are restored to a point' where they are not breaching its Drought Plan.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Water's ban applies to any home that receives water from the firm. That generally includesthe regions of West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and East Riding of Yorkshire, as well as parts of North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, and Derbyshire.

However, it does not affect customers who only receive wastewater services from Yorkshire Water. The firm similarly warned that it 'can't say for certain' when these rules will cease, but explained that significant rainfall is needed first.

Yorkshire Water added: "We can’t predict the weather, but we will not have the restrictions in place any longer than is absolutely necessary. We will be closely monitoring this and will keep everyone updated."

While Thames Water has not yet imposed a ban, it also warned that its 'water levels are under pressure' and will be 'keeping a close watch on the situation'.

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Full list of areas currently affected by hosepipe bans

• Kent
• Sussex

• West Yorkshire

• South Yorkshire

• East Riding of Yorkshire

• parts of North Lincolnshire

• Parts of North Yorkshire

• Parts of Derbyshire

What does a ban mean?

During a ban, South East Water highlights that you generally must not use a hosepipe for:

• Gardening
• Washing cars
• Cleaning windows or patios
• Filling swimming pools
• Filling paddling pools

For further information on both hosepipe bans, visit the South East Water or Yorkshire Water websites.