Due to a high demand of water during the driest spring in years, three official heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures, the water company has introduced a Temporary Use Ban.

All customers it supplies with drinking water are affected by the hosepipe ban, which will come into effect at 12.01am on Thursday, July 23.

READ MORE: Thames Water announces hosepipe ban starting this week

During a hosepipe ban, all customers are prohibited from using a hosepipe or pressure washer to water their garden, lawn or allotments.

Hoses also cannot be used to fill a paddling pool, swimming pool or hot tub, or used as a sprinkler.

Jet washers are also prohibited, and hosepipes or pressure washers cannot be used to clean vehicles, patios, paths, driveways, walls, windows or any outdoor areas.

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However, households are still allowed to keep plants and gardens watered with a watering can, use rainwater collected in a water butt, wash your car using a bucket and collect and reuse water from the home, such as leftover water from cooking vegetables or washing produce, to water plants.

Some Thames Water customers will be exempt from the hosepipe ban, including Thames Water wastewater only customers, those who need it for people’s health and safety or the welfare of animals, some business services and activities, watering food crops and newly planted trees, and priority services customers who cannot reduce their water use because of disability or medical condition.

Walter Klen, of Farmoor, Oxford, was sentenced to 19 years in jail at a sentencing at Oxford Crown Court on Monday, July 13.

The 60-year-old was found unanimously guilty of 13 counts, by a jury which police said had to listen to ‘the most vile and harrowing descriptions’ of the child sexual offences.

READ MORE: Thames Water announces hosepipe ban starting this week

These were four counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of attempted rape and four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Walker Klen, of Farmoor, was jailed for 19 years for the ‘sickening’ abuse of three girls (Image: Thames Valley Police)

The court heard that between 2003 and 2010, Klen sexually abused three children over a seven-year period at addresses in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire and Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire.

All three victims were girls who were under the age of 13 at the time of the offences.

Klen was arrested on July 11, 2023, and charged on May 9, 2025.

He was subsequently convicted following a nine-day trial at Oxford Crown Court, which began on June 11.

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Oxford Crown Court (Image: NQ)

Thames Valley Police’s Investigating officer Detective Constable Bryn Smith, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “Klen’s offending was sickening, devious and manipulative and he will rightfully spend many years in prison.

“I commend the bravery of the three victims and their families and friends who had to endure hours of giving evidence in court over these nine days.

“The fact that Klen was found unanimously guilty of all 13 charges is testament to the resolve of those involved and the support they gave each other.

“I would also like to thank the jury. Twelve people from all walks of society who had to listen to the most vile and harrowing descriptions of child sexual abuse over many days.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual abuse to come forward and report it to police. 

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“You will be listened to and supported by experienced officers and staff.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can report offences to Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or making a report online. In an emergency, always call 999.

The force said: “We understand that coming forward can feel difficult, and support is available whether or not you choose to make a report to the police. Please see our website for more information.”