An extra billion litres of water were deployed across London and the South East over the bank holiday weekend compared to the same weekend in 2025, Thames Water revealed.

Four regions battered by constant rainfall and flash flooding at the turn of 2026 are now being told be conservative with water during the hot weather

South East Water warns demand for water outstripping supplies as taps run dry in hundreds of homes

An extra billion litres of water were deployed across London and the South East over the bank holiday weekend compared to the same weekend in 2025, Thames Water revealed.

The demand for water has increased by up to 50 per cent in some areas of London and the South East, Thames Water said

Londoners and residents across the South East are being advised to use watering cans instead of hosepipes as temperatures are set to soar as high as 29C today.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…