Car washes, window cleaning and filling swimming pools may face water‑use restrictions, ministers have warned. Gyms and sports grounds could also be subject to bans as the government warns of possible large‑scale limits amid a nationwide drought.
Government planners say further restrictions could affect more businesses as non‑essential use bans (NEUBs) are applied more widely. NEUBs limit water use for non‑essential purposes such as window cleaning and filling pools, including those in gyms. Water‑supply companies submit applications for such bans, and ministers approve them. Restrictions may also be introduced for football fields, although government exemptions are expected.
So far, only one application for a NEUB has been submitted by Southern Water.
Government and water‑company measures
A government spokesman said: “Like any responsible government, we are preparing for a range of scenarios and working with the National Drought Group to help maintain water supplies.” He added that the government expects water‑supply companies to follow established drought‑management plans and take “more decisive and rapid action to reduce leaks.”
“We are clear that the water sector is not acting in the interests of bill‑payers. That is why we are implementing long‑term changes, including requiring companies to make record investments in infrastructure and changing the planning system to build nine new reservoirs,” the spokesman said. Downing Street reported that the government will continue to “work closely” with water‑supply companies, regulators and local partners to manage water supplies.
A Downing Street spokesman added that the government and water‑supply companies are planning for various scenarios, but their focus is on protecting the main water supply and helping the country survive the drought. The water‑supply companies remain responsible for implementing their drought‑management plans.
Consequences of drought and heat
Almost three‑quarters of England and all of Wales are in drought conditions after the driest July on record. By 15 July this year, the UK had already recorded more days with temperatures above 30 °C than in the entire year of 1976, which is known for its prolonged heat.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham only last week warned that Britain is a “powder keg,” visiting Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where firefighters battled forest fires. Britain has recently experienced its fifth heatwave of the summer, and the hottest day of the year was recorded at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday, when the temperature reached 38.1 °C. Meanwhile, some areas of southern England have not seen rain for 60 days, causing widespread drought.
On Friday, millions of people in England and Wales received mobile‑device notifications warning of a “very high risk of forest fires at the national level.” Several fire services have since issued statements asking people to call 999 only to report genuine emergencies.
Forest fires have devastated parts of Great Britain, including the West Midlands, where a blaze in Stourbridge destroyed 19 homes. West Midlands Fire Service reported that it had managed to “significantly ease restrictions” as evacuated residents began returning to their homes over the weekend. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported “significant forest fire activity” on Sunday, as its crews responded to 14 such incidents.
