With the hot, dry weather continuing, many local residents are asking whether they're affected by the latest hosepipe restrictions.

The answer is it depends on who supplies your water.

🚱 Thames Water customers

If your home receives its water from Thames Water, a Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) is now in force. The restrictions were introduced in July 2026 following one of the driest springs on record, low river levels and exceptionally high demand.

💦 South East Water customers

If you're supplied by South East Water, temporary hosepipe restrictions also came into force in July 2026, including for customers in Surrey.

Which parts of Epsom & Ewell are affected?

Our area is unusual because it is served by more than one water company.

• Many parts of Epsom are supplied by Thames Water.
• Parts of Epsom & Ewell are supplied by South East Water.

If you're unsure who supplies your home, the quickest way is to check a recent water bill or use your supplier's postcode checker.

What can't you do during the restrictions?

The rules are very similar for both companies and include not using a hosepipe to:

🌿 Water your garden, lawn or plants
🚗 Wash your car or motorbike at home
🏡 Clean patios, paths, walls or windows
🏊 Fill or top up paddling pools and swimming pools
💦 Use sprinklers or irrigation systems

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Some exemptions apply, including certain medical needs, Blue Badge holders in some circumstances, animal welfare, commercial uses and a number of other specific situations. Watering with a watering can or bucket is still allowed, and rainwater collected in a water butt can still be used. The exact exemptions vary slightly between suppliers.

Check before you water

Because neighbouring streets can have different water suppliers, it's worth checking before assuming the same rules apply to everyone.

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Unsure who your supplier is?

If you don't know which company supplies your drinking water, use the independent postcode checker from the Consumer Council for Water:

Find your water company (postcode checker)

Why there isn't a simple map for Epsom & Ewell

Neither Thames Water nor South East Water publishes a detailed street-level supply map for public use because supply boundaries can be complex. For example, parts of Epsom are supplied by Thames Water while neighbouring roads - and much of Ewell - are supplied by South East Water.

The official advice from both companies is to use their postcode checkers to confirm your property's supplier.

• 🟦 Thames Water – many parts of Epsom (hosepipe ban in force)
• 🟩 South East Water – much of Ewell and parts of Epsom (hosepipe restrictions also in force)
• 📍 "Not sure? Check your postcode with your water supplier."

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Message from Thames Water:

We've had lots of questions about hosepipe ban exemptions 

While the temporary use ban applies to all customers who get their water from Thames Water, some people can still use a hosepipe, including:

 Customers with certain disabilities or medical conditions
 Customers with severe mobility problems
 Where it's needed to protect human or animal health and safety

Find the full list of exemptions and FAQs here: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/.../tempo.../hosepipe-ban-faqs

 Every drop counts. Thanks for doing your bit to help protect water supplies during this hot and dry weather.

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Useful links:

• Thames Water hosepipe ban information: Thames Water Temporary Use Ban
• South East Water restrictions: South East Water hosepipe restrictions

💧 Every litre saved helps protect local rivers, groundwater and future water supplies during this prolonged spell of dry weather.

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