Two words: rain. Lots and lots of rain. And then some more rain. The London weather, which we love to moan about, actually saved our green thumbs.
Thames Water’s reservoirs got fat and happy. They went from “alarmingly low” to “we’re good, thanks” in just a few months. It’s like the water equivalent of crash dieting and then binge-eating all the pasta.
But let’s not pretend it was just about good luck. The water companies also did a bit of work. They fixed more leaks (slow clap) and managed demand better. Still, the rain did the heavy lifting.
Thames Water hosepipe ban 2026: Is there a hosepipe ban in London
Should you still feel guilty about using the hosepipe?
Here’s where we get real. Just because the ban is gone, doesn’t mean you should go full water-park in your back garden. Let’s be honest: London still has a long-term water problem.
We’ve got a growing population, creaky old pipes, and the climate is basically on a spin cycle. So, no ban doesn’t mean no worries. It’s like your mum saying you can have ice cream, but you know you shouldn’t eat the whole tub.
Thames Water can also reimpose a ban at any moment. They just need a dry spell of a few weeks. If next July is a scorcher again, we could be back to using the watering can by August.
