Water Company Imposes “Essential Use Only” Notice Amid Surge Pricing Trials
8 August 2025 – UK: As Southern and Yorkshire regions face ongoing drought conditions, a leading water utility has asked residents to limit usage to essential needs only—amid plans to trial surge pricing during peak demand.
“Essential Use Only” Notice Issued
In response to rising pressure on water systems during the ongoing heatwave, one water company has issued a public **“Essential Use Only”** recommendation. While not an outright ban, customers are being urged to conserve water where possible—prioritizing actions like drinking, cooking, and hygiene over tasks such as garden watering and car washing.
Surge Pricing Trials Underway
Meanwhile, reports in **The Times** confirm that **15 UK water companies** are set to trial **surge pricing** during summer heatwaves. The scheme, aimed at smart-meter users over the next five years, could effectively **double per-unit charges during peak demand**, encouraging non-essential water use to decline. (The Times)
Regional Hosepipe Bans Expand
Meanwhile, parts of the UK are already under formal restrictions. **Yorkshire Water’s hosepipe ban** now covers more than **5 million households**, due to low reservoir levels (at just 56%) and less than 15cm of rainfall since February. The ban prohibits watering gardens, washing cars, and filling pools via hose—but allows alternative watering like buckets. (The Times – Yorkshire ban)
Support for Vulnerable Customers
Consumer assistance remains available. Eligible households—those on benefits or with high essential usage due to medical reasons or multiple children—can apply for the **WaterSure** scheme to cap their bills at average levels. All water companies also offer social tariffs and hardship support plans. (WaterSure details)
Summary
- “Essential Use Only” notice reflects strain on water supply amid heat.
- Surge pricing model being trialled to reduce non-essential demand.
- Hosepipe bans in effect across affected regions like Yorkshire.
- Support schemes remain in place to protect vulnerable households.
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