Thousands of households across Southall will be affected by a temporary hosepipe ban from Thursday 17 July 2026, as Affinity Water introduces restrictions following a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather.

The ban applies to customers supplied by Affinity Water, covering much of Southall, as well as Greenford, Northolt and Perivale. Residents whose homes are supplied by Thames Water will not be affected.

Under the temporary restrictions, customers will not be permitted to use a hosepipe for activities including watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows, patios or driveways, filling swimming or paddling pools, or operating pressure washers.

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Affinity Water said demand for water is currently around 20% higher than normal. Although reservoir and groundwater levels benefited from a wetter autumn and winter, the company said an exceptionally dry spring has caused groundwater supplies to decline, making temporary restrictions necessary to help safeguard water resources.

The water supplier said the measures are intended to protect supplies for customers, particularly vulnerable residents, while also helping to preserve the local environment during the dry conditions.

Some exemptions will apply, including for customers who require a hosepipe for medical or mobility needs, as well as certain commercial and animal welfare uses.

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Customers who fail to comply with the restrictions without a valid exemption could face a fine of up to £1,000. However, Affinity Water says it will initially focus on informing customers about the ban before considering enforcement action.

Residents who are unsure whether they are supplied by Affinity Water or Thames Water, or who wish to check whether they qualify for an exemption, are advised to contact their water supplier.

Photo by Steve DiMatteo on Unsplash