Water companies today (July 22) officially implemented a ban on the use of pipes in parts of Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
This spring, the UK experienced one of the driest seasons in a century, coupled with the hottest June on record, causing the water level of the Farmor Reservoir managed by Thames Water to drop to only 95%. This data is the last statistics at the end of June and does not include recent rainfall in the area.
Nevil Muncaster, strategic water resources director of Thames Water, said that the temporary pipe ban has come into effect and called on the public to minimize water use during the ban.
He stressed that the company is doing its best to protect water resources. In the face of continued high temperatures and dry weather, environmental protection work is urgent. The team of engineers works around the clock to ensure that all customers continue to have access to water. At the same time, due to the long-term drought, the phenomenon of pipe leakage has increased, and the company has sent additional personnel to repair it on site.
Muncaster called on everyone to actively conserve water, and suggested that simple measures at home and in the garden, such as turning off the tap when brushing teeth, fixing leaky toilets, and reducing lawn watering, would effectively save water.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to the public for their understanding and support so far.