Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has requested that its 16 million customers cease using hosepipes and sprinklers due to the ongoing third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius.
The company, which serves Greater London, the Thames Valley, Surrey, Gloucestershire, north Wiltshire, and west Kent, is attempting to maintain water supplies amidst high demand. Thames Water noted that three billion liters of water were used daily during the June heatwave, and the South East has experienced very dry months. No rainfall is forecast for London over the next week.
Thames Water is currently not imposing a formal hosepipe ban but is urging customers to delay non-essential outdoor watering. "At times, we're using water faster than we can deliver it through our network," the company stated in a notice. "Reducing your use at home, especially outdoors, will make the biggest difference."
April saw only 20% of the average rainfall in the region, and May and June recorded record-breaking heat in London and the South East. This situation has led to other water companies implementing stricter measures. Southern Water has placed one million people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight under a hosepipe ban, effective Friday. South East Water's ban for 850,000 customers in Kent began last Friday, and the company has also requested reduced water use in parts of Hampshire and Sussex. Anglian Water has asked customers to conserve water but has not yet issued a ban, though it has not ruled out the possibility later in the summer.
The UK has entered its third heatwave since May, with parts of southern England expected to experience temperatures in the low 30s Celsius this week, potentially reaching 34C to 35C by Friday and Saturday. London has been the hottest part of the UK for three consecutive days. Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates indicated that while this heatwave is not expected to be record-breaking, temperatures will remain high.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the Midlands and southern England from Tuesday morning until Sunday evening, warning of significant impacts on health and social care services, including a potential rise in deaths among vulnerable populations. Yellow alerts are in place for Yorkshire and northern England. The UKHSA also warned of an increased risk of water-related incidents, such as cold water shock and drowning. National Rail Enquiries advised passengers to check for service updates due to the heatwave, and breakdown companies anticipate an increase in call-outs. Drivers are advised to check vehicle maintenance and carry water.
High UV levels are expected across much of the UK, and pollen levels will also be high in some areas. Wimbledon is providing free water points for spectators, and at least 41 schools have cancelled or rescheduled sports days due to the heat. Previous record temperatures were set in June and May of the current year, with a Greenpeace study indicating that a majority of UK adults struggled to sleep during the June heatwave.