The water utility confirmed that more than 10 million people in London, the Thames Valley and the home counties are still subject to the restrictions, which were imposed after a record‑breaking dry summer.
Much of England, including the capital and the South East, continues to experience drought conditions after an unusually dry spring and summer punctuated by successive heatwaves that have strained water supplies.
September’s rainfall was described by the company as “very welcome”, but it has not been enough to offset the prolonged dry spell. Thames Water reported that rainfall between March and August was less than half the long‑term average, with August receiving only 28 mm – just 43 % of the typical amount for the Thames catchment.
Reservoir data underline the shortfall: as of mid‑September, storage at London’s reservoirs stood at 59 % of capacity, well below the 78 % average for this time of year, while Farmoor Reservoir near Oxford was at 75 % against a 93 % historical norm.
Julie Morton, head of water resources at Thames Water, warned that “significant and prolonged rainfall over the coming weeks” will be required before the company can consider lifting the remaining restrictions.
For customers, the continued ban means ongoing limits on outdoor water use, with the utility urging conservation until water levels improve.