Businesses could be barred from non-essential water use amid supply threat

Water companies in England are seeking to impose strict bans on non-essential water use for businesses like golf clubs and car washes due to ongoing drought conditions. Reservoir levels remain significantly below average, necessitating sustained rainfall to recover.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing economic and environmental impact of climate change and water scarcity on infrastructure and commercial operations.
Wimbleball reservoir in Exmoor, Somerset, is currently at less than a quarter of its capacity after the dry spring and summer heatwaves. Photograph: Paul Silvers/BNPS Wimbleball reservoir in Exmoor, Somerset, is currently at less than a quarter of its capacity after the dry spring and summer heatwaves. Photograph: Paul Silvers/BNPS Water Businesses could be barred from non-essential water use amid supply threat Golf clubs, private schools and car washes may face tighter rules from water companies as England’s drought continues
Prefer the Guardian on Google Three water companies are seeking to impose severe restrictions on businesses as the drought continues across most of England , putting rivers and wildlife under huge pressure.
Golf clubs and private schools could be barred from using mains water to irrigate playing fields and courses, and commercial car washes stopped from operating, under “non-essential use bans” being sought by the companies.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in