‘Low or no water’ in Oxfordshire due to hot weather demand

The water company said seven postcode areas across Oxfordshire, three in Hemel Hempstead and one in Milton Keynes are experiencing ‘low water pressure or a temporary loss of water’.

This is due to ‘exceptionally high demand during the recent hot weather’, and began at about 2.30pm on Wednesday, July 8.

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A spokesperson for Thames Water said: “Our teams are working around the clock to keep water flowing by moving water around the network, deploying additional water tankers and carefully managing supplies where they’re needed most. 

“We’re doing everything we can to minimise disruption and restore normal service as quickly as possible. 

Thames Water customers are facing water shortages (Image: Yui Mok/PA)

“With another period of very hot weather forecast over the coming days, we’re asking everyone to help by only using the water they need and temporarily avoiding the use of hosepipes and sprinklers wherever possible. 

“During hot weather, outdoor water use increases significantly, and reducing non-essential use will help keep water available for essential needs across the community.”

As temperatures are forecast to reach 34C on Thursday and Friday in Oxford, a UK Health Security Agency amber heat-health alert is in place for Oxfordshire until 9pm on Sunday, July 12.

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Postcodes affected by the water issues in Oxfordshire are OX3, OX5, OX9, OX25, OX26, OX27 and OX33.

Supply issues continued throughout the evening on Wednesday and Thames Water promised to issue another customer update by 9am on Thursday.

Households which require extra support during periods of water supply disruption are asked to sign up for the company’s free priority services register on the Thames Water website.