Brits Brace for Potential Winter Hosepipe Ban as Drought Lingers

As of November 14, 2025, the UK is still at risk of a winter hosepipe ban as households in certain regions have been told that water restrictions will not be lifted until after Christmas. Restrictions remain in place for customers of Yorkshire Water, as well as some customers of Thames Water and South East Water.

The hosepipe ban was implemented over the summer, with households facing a £1,000 fine if they were found to have violated the rules. Despite recent wet weather, parts of the UK are still dealing with the effects of a severe drought following the driest spring in 132 years and four heatwaves.

The Environment Agency has warned that extreme dry spells could be even worse in 2026 if the country does not see a wet winter. While heavy rainfall is expected this weekend, the Met Office is still predicting drier conditions for much of November to January. The government is now encouraging households to keep their water use low this winter, with suggestions such as limiting showers to the length of one song and using a watering can instead of a hose.

Water minister Emma Hardy emphasized that climate change will lead to more frequent and severe droughts and flooding in the years ahead, and the government is taking action to improve the UK's long-term water resilience.